Mom or dad got seriously ill and you need to step away from work? California's Paid Family Leave pays up to 8 weeks in a 12-month period, about 70 to 90% of your wages, from $50 up to $1,765 a week. Here are the rules in EDD's own terms.
Do you qualify?
- The person you're caring for has a serious health condition and is your parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, spouse or registered domestic partner.
- You're losing wages to care for them, and you're working or looking for work when the leave starts.
- You paid into State Disability Insurance: it shows as "CASDI" on most paystubs, and you need at least $300 in your base period with it withheld.
- Their doctor or practitioner signs a medical certificate for your claim.
- Citizenship and immigration status do not affect eligibility.
Sources: EDD, PFL for caregivers and eligibility.
How much, and when to file
- About 70 to 90% of your wages, depending on income, based on your highest-earning quarter 5 to 18 months before the claim, up to $1,765 a week. EDD's PFL calculator estimates yours.
- File no earlier than the first day of your leave and no later than 41 days after it starts, or you may lose benefits.
- The fastest way to apply is online through myEDD (EDD: how to apply); paper is an option.
- PFL pays, but it doesn't protect your job. Ask HR about job-protected family leave before you go.
Sources: EDD, Paid Family Leave and benefit amounts. Checked October 13, 2026.
The paperwork, and the eight weeks
You file and sign your own claim. PJ can sit with you while you do: setting up myEDD, getting the medical certificate form to the doctor's office and back, and keeping track of EDD's letters. While you're caring for your parent, he can run the pharmacy and grocery stops. Family Assist is $30 an hour; errands are $25 a stop. Text PJ.
Back at work after the eight weeks and your parent still needs someone? The Parent Check-In Plan.
More: IHSS: get paid to care for a parent on Medi-Cal · adult day care · licensed in-home care · the care ladder.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · every 2027 Medicare plan · is my medication recalled? · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25. Your parent lives here and you don't? The Parent Check-In Plan, $25 a month.
Questions people ask
Can I get paid to take time off to care for a sick parent in California?
Yes. California Paid Family Leave pays up to 8 weeks in a 12-month period, about 70 to 90% of your wages up to $1,765 a week, if you paid into State Disability Insurance (CASDI) and the parent's doctor certifies a serious health condition (EDD).
Does Paid Family Leave cover caring for a parent-in-law or grandparent?
Yes. EDD lists parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, child, sibling, spouse and registered domestic partner.
When do I have to file for Paid Family Leave?
No earlier than the first day of your family leave and no later than 41 days after it begins, or you may lose benefits. The fastest way is online through myEDD.
Does Paid Family Leave protect my job?
No. EDD says PFL provides benefit payments but not job protection; ask your employer about job-protected leave.
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