Beginning January 1, 2025, California has implemented a significant increase in Paid Family Leave and Disability Insurance benefits.
These historic changes allow workers earning less than $63,000 per year to receive up to 90% of their regular wages, while those earning more than that will receive 70%.
This measure, driven by Senate Bill 951 (SB 951), is not retroactive, so applications submitted in 2024 will continue to receive the previous percentages, which ranged from 60% to 70% of weekly wages.
What do these changes mean for disability beneficiaries?
With the new benefit increase, millions of California workers will be able to take time off to deal with illness, recover from injury, or care for a seriously ill family member without having to worry about their financial situation. Additionally, the benefits will include time for:
- Bonding with a new child.
- Supporting family members during an overseas military deployment.
- Recovery after pregnancy or childbirth.
Key details of the benefits
- Paid Family Leave: Workers are eligible for up to 8 weeks of leave, with 4 additional weeks before birth for expectant mothers.
- Disability Insurance: Provides up to 52 weeks of benefits for workers who cannot perform their job due to a medical condition.
- Average payments: In 2024, workers received an average of more than $870 per week for Family Leave and $780 per week for Disability.
These programs benefit more than 18 million workers in California and are funded through payroll deductions.
Impact on workers
The increase in benefits enables low- and middle-income workers to prioritize their health and well-being, as well as the care of their families, without experiencing severe financial hardship.
This improvement is especially significant for those who were previously unable to afford a significant reduction in income when on leave.
Additional information and transition
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) has published a guide to help with the transition to the new benefits, which includes answers to frequently asked questions about the changes.
Those considering applying in 2025 should review this information to fully understand the new percentages and their implications.
Expanded benefits: an investment in Californians
With this change, California reaffirms its commitment to its workers’ well-being, making the state more accessible and equitable to all.
A stronger and healthier workforce is fostered by ensuring that employees can care for themselves and their families without jeopardizing their financial security.
These benefits demonstrate the state’s leadership in promoting worker support measures, which strengthens both the economy and the social fabric of California.
Also See :- It’s official – the list of months you’ll receive double payments from the SSA in 2025 has been released
