Paid Family Leave Benefit Calculator
Up to 8 weeks for bonding or caregiving, paid at the same 90%/70% formula as SDI.
PFL pays 90% of your average weekly wage if you're a lower earner, or 70% otherwise, up to about $1,765 a week, for up to 8 weeks within a 12-month period.
Enter your average weekly wage to see your estimated PFL benefit.
Paid Family Leave Benefit Calculator
Estimated PFL Benefit
Weekly Benefit
Total for Leave Period
How this is calculated
PFL uses the same wage-replacement formula as SDI. You get 90% of your average weekly wage if it's below 70% of the State Average Weekly Wage (about $1,252 for 2026). Above that, you get the greater of 70% of your wage or $1,127 (90% of that threshold), up to about $1,765 a week. Your total for the leave is the weekly benefit multiplied by the number of weeks you take, up to 8 weeks in any 12-month period.
PFL replaces wages only. It does not guarantee that your job is held for you. Separate job-protection laws, such as CFRA or the federal FMLA, may apply depending on your employer's size and your own eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does California Paid Family Leave pay?
The same wage replacement formula as SDI: 90% of your average weekly wage if you're a lower earner (below 70% of the State Average Weekly Wage), or 70% otherwise, capped at about $1,765/week for 2026.
How many weeks of Paid Family Leave can I take?
Up to 8 weeks within a 12-month period, for bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member.
Is Paid Family Leave job-protected?
PFL itself only provides wage replacement, not job protection. Job protection generally comes from a separate law like the federal FMLA or California's CFRA, which may run concurrently with a PFL claim depending on your employer's size and your eligibility.
Do I need to use up my sick leave or vacation before PFL?
In most cases, no. An employer generally cannot require you to use up vacation before PFL, though limited exceptions exist for certain accrued time. Check your employer's policy.
Can both parents take Paid Family Leave for the same new child?
Yes. Each eligible parent can claim up to 8 weeks of bonding leave. The two parents don't share one 8-week allowance.
This tool provides an educational estimate only and is not affiliated with the EDD. Confirm your exact benefit and job-protection status at edd.ca.gov and with your employer's HR department.