2025 updates to CA’s PFL law

California’s paid family leave (PFL) law has been updated over the years. The maximum benefit amount that employees can receive during a paid family leave typically adjusts annual on January 1 to keep up with inflation, for example.

But in 2025, the California legislature enacted key changes to its law. Here’s how CA’s PFL operates now.

Percentage of pay changes

Like other state PFL laws, workers on a PFL leave in California do not get 100% of their compensation paid by the benefit program. Rather, they can receive a certain percentage of their compensation up to a maximum amount.

Effective in 2025, the CA legislature adjusted the percentage of compensation an employee can earn from the state’s PFL program while on a paid family leave. If workers earn less than $63,000 per year, they can get paid 90% of their compensation from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) during a paid family leave. If workers earn more, they can receive about 70% of their income up to the maximum.

Claims from 2024 will continue to pay at the 2024 rates because the changes to the law are not retroactive.

Millions of California Beneficiaries

According to the EDD, these benefits cover more than 18 million workers in CA. Employees pay into the insurance plan through payroll calculations. California’s law provides up to 52 weeks of benefits for workers with disabilities, 8 weeks of PFL benefits to parents bonding with a newborn, and an additional 4 weeks of PFL before birth for expectant mothers.

Want to learn more?

Check out this press release from the California Employment Development Department.