California Paid Family Leave (EDD PFL) Calculator
Estimate your 2026 weekly benefit, total paid leave payout, and income gap under California law. Eligible workers receive up to $1,765/week for up to 8 weeks.
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,765
2026 statutory cap
Max Duration
8 Weeks
Bonding / Caregiving
Wage Replacement
70%
Of average weekly wage
Waiting Period
0 Days
Before benefits start
Worked Example: A $75,000 Salary on CA EDD PFL
Here is how the California statutory formula applies to a typical worker earning $75,000 per year ($1,442/week):
Gross weekly income before leave ($75K ÷ 52)
Based on 60% to 70% of weekly wages (sliding scale based on base period earnings)
Total income shortfall over 8 weeks
Key Program Rules
- ✓Up to 8 weeks of paid bonding leave within the first 12 months of birth, adoption, or foster placement
- ✓Birthing parents can stack 6–8 weeks of California State Disability Insurance (SDI) with 8 weeks of PFL for up to 16–18 weeks total paid leave
- ✓Maximum weekly benefit of $1,765 for 2026
- ✓No waiting period for PFL bonding claims
Statutory Disclosures
- Administering Agency
- Employment Development Department (EDD) →
- Tax Treatment
- Subject to federal income tax; exempt from California state income tax.
- Payroll Contribution
- 1.2% SDI deduction on wages up to $184,500
- Job Protection
- PFL provides wage replacement only. Job protection is provided concurrently by CFRA (California Family Rights Act) and federal FMLA.
Frequently Asked Questions About CA EDD PFL
How is California EDD PFL calculated?
The EDD determines your weekly benefit amount (WBA) based on the quarter of your base period with the highest earnings. It replaces approximately 60% to 70% of those average weekly wages, up to the 2026 state ceiling of $1,765 per week.
Is California Paid Family Leave taxable?
Yes, California PFL benefits are subject to federal income tax and you will receive a Form 1099-G from the EDD. However, PFL benefits are NOT subject to California state income tax.
Can both parents take California PFL at the same time?
Yes. Eligible parents can take their 8 weeks of bonding leave concurrently (at the same time) or consecutively (back-to-back), provided all leave is completed within 12 months of the child’s birth or placement.
How do I stack SDI and PFL in California for pregnancy?
Expectant mothers typically begin SDI 4 weeks before their expected due date and continue for 6 weeks (for normal delivery) or 8 weeks (for C-section) postpartum. Once SDI ends, the EDD automatically sends an invitation to transition seamlessly to 8 weeks of PFL bonding leave.
Sources: Official California program site, our methodology.
Program rules last verified 2026-09-29. Confirm current figures with the agency before filing a claim.
Compare With Other State Paid Family Leave Programs
Explore paid leave formulas and weekly caps across other states with statutory programs: