Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) provides job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. However, this privilege does not always include pay, this can make it challenging for many employees to take the time off when they need it the most. As of now, the United States is one of the few countries that does not offer a nationwide paid family leave policy. Although proposals have been made for one, as of now, these policies have only been enacted at the state level. As of 2023, paid family and medical leave policies exist in nine states plus the District of Columbia, and four more states will implement such laws come 2026.

The specifics of PFML policies can vary significantly from state to state, including the situations they cover, how long they last, and what percentage of a worker’s salary they intend to replace. PFML is not to be confused with FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) which provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons, but without pay. Currently, the states that offer PFML include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington, along with the District of Columbia.

Notwithstanding the absence of a federal law providing PFML, these states have stepped in to offer their residents access to paid leave. Paid leave can be used for a worker’s own health conditions, bonding with a newborn child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, and addressing certain military family needs.

If you’re trying to navigate these processes in California and need assistance, you can reach out and find the help you need on eddcaller.com. eddcaller.com provides resources on how to contact EDD (Employment Development Department) for all your queries related to unemployment benefits, disability insurance, paid family leave, and more. You can also find ways on how to get in touch with EDD representatives or how to check your EDD payment status, making it a comprehensive resource for all Californians needing assistance.