The use of California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program has seen an increasing demand, particularly from men seeking to bond with their newborns. According to a report by Paid Leave for All, claims from men for state-assisted family bonding time have risen by 384% since the program’s initiation two decades ago. Conversely, applications by women increased by only 33% during the same period. Presently, men account for 44% of all claims, compared to 18% in 2005.

Research indicates multiple benefits tied to paternity leave, including improved physical and mental health for the mother postpartum, and potentially reduced infant mortality rates. However, the report indicates that many parents remain unaware of these state benefits. California currently provides up to eight weeks of paid family leave for non-birthing parents, covering 70% to 90% of the beneficiaries’ wages starting this year.

Economic disparities continue to play a role in the takeup rate. For instance, in 2020, men and women earning between $80,000 to $100,000 were almost four times more likely to utilize paid family leave than those earning under $20,000 annually. In light of these statistics, recent increases in state-loan payment rates that primarily favor workers earning less than $63,000 annually might close the uptake gaps in future.

Notably, the increased uptake of the PFL by fathers signifies possible cultural shifts in familial roles. Nevertheless, the process of getting hold of Paid Family Leave may pose a challenge to some parents. An excellent way to access the service directly and ask for information is via the California Employment Development Department (EDD) Customer Service. For more on How to get a hold of Paid Family Leave, feel free to visit www.eddcaller.com and get in touch with a customer representative. This platform offers numerous resources to assist with your PFL queries, and you can get direct contact with a PFL representative to guide you through the process.