California Boosts Paid Leave Benefits to Support Workers in 2025

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The California Employment Development Department has announced significant enhancements to Paid Family Leave (PFL) and Disability Insurance benefits starting January 1, 2025, under Senate Bill 951 (SB 951). This legislation increases the benefits to 70 to 90 percent of weekly wages for Californians needing time off for personal illness, injury, or family care. The program, funded by worker payroll contributions, supports over 18 million California workers. Eligible workers can receive up to 52 weeks of disability benefits and up to 8 weeks for PFL.

Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized that these expanded benefits aim to alleviate financial stress for Californians taking necessary leave. EDD Director Nancy Farias highlighted the positive impact on the workforce, while Senator Maria Elena Durazo, the bill’s author, noted its role in promoting equitable access to paid leave.

Key changes include workers earning under $63,000 annually receiving up to 90 percent of their wages, and higher-income workers receiving up to 70 percent. These changes affect new claims from January 1, 2025, while 2024 claims remain at 60 to 70 percent. In 2024, the average weekly Disability Insurance benefit was $838, with about 62,407 claims filed monthly. The average weekly Paid Family Leave benefit was $935, with approximately 26,756 claims filed monthly. Applications for these benefits can be submitted by mail or through the myEDD system for faster processing.