How long is maternity leave in California? The answer depends on your situation. The state offers multiple programs that cover medical recovery, bonding time, and income replacement. The total time available depends on how these programs fit together.
Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)
PDL covers the period when a doctor confirms you can’t work due to pregnancy or childbirth. Employers with five or more employees must provide up to four months of job-protected leave. This time can start before delivery if complications arise or continue after birth during recovery. The exact length is set by your medical provider.
California Family Rights Act (CFRA) Leave
After recovery, eligible employees can take bonding leave under CFRA. This provides up to twelve weeks of job-protected time to bond with a new child. You usually qualify if you’ve worked for your employer for at least twelve months and logged at least 1,250 hours in the past year. CFRA leave can be taken all at once or split into smaller segments within the first year after birth or placement.
Paid Benefits While on Leave
California also offers wage replacement programs. During medical recovery, many employees receive State Disability Insurance benefits. During bonding leave, many receive Paid Family Leave benefits for up to eight weeks. These payments don’t extend your total leave time—they simply replace part of your income while you’re out.
Putting It Together
In many cases, new parents in California combine these benefits for twelve to eighteen weeks of leave, sometimes more if medical recovery lasts longer. A typical timeline includes Pregnancy Disability Leave for recovery, followed by CFRA bonding time, with wage replacement from State Disability and Paid Family Leave programs.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single answer to how long is maternity leave in California. The exact length depends on your health, your job, and your eligibility for each program. Understanding how PDL, CFRA, and Paid Family Leave work together helps you plan your time and pay more confidently.
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