The eligibility test for Paid Family Leave (PFL) is not hard to pass in California. Any worker that works for an insured employer, and has to get care for a serious illness or injury that happened away from work and recover, take care of a seriously ill family member or spend time to give their attentions to a pregnancy or bond with a new child, can get benefits while they earn no income or less income.

But, getting paid an income during the time off can get a Californian counted out.

Agreements with Insured Employers

The main question that needs an answer is, "Does the employer have paid family leave insurance?" Any employer that pays into an insurance plan has insured their workers. Employers that participate in the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program are covered by the Paid Family Leave program that is part of SDI. Any voluntary plan chosen instead of SDI has to have paid family leave coverage.

There is no business with too few workers to have the insurance. Workers at small businesses that pay for the insurance are eligible.

The self-employed can get the benefits if they pay for the State Disability Insurance Elective Coverage.

Any Worker That Earns Money

All a worker has to do is earn money on the employer's payroll during their base period that is typically between 5 to 18 months before. There is no minimum number of hours a Californian has to work.

Less Income

Californians have to make less income or no income to be eligible. When an employer pays their worker a regular income during their time off, the worker is not eligible to get leave benefits. Paid family leave is an income replacement program that replaces income for up to six weeks. If no income is lost, the worker does not have to request the leave benefits.

Part-Time Work Not Ruled Out

Working part-time does not make a Californian ineligible if the earned income is lower than the regular earned income. These workers are eligible to get a portion of the full paid family leave benefits. As long as earned income and leave income do not add up to more than regular income.

No Insurance Income

Workers that are already getting unemployment insurance compensation or disability insurance benefits are not eligible. Paid family leave takes the place of disability insurance. Leave insurance does not add to disability insurance.

Paid family leave can add to workers' compensation income. But, if the workers' compensation pay rate is higher than the PFL rate, the worker is not eligible for leave benefits.

Eligibility Ends for New Child Care

Twelve months after the birth of a child or the day a child is adopted or put in foster care is the longest a worker can stay eligible to get the paid family leave benefits.

Benefits Not Limited

Californians that need time off can get paid while away from work. Lost income is not simply accepted in this state. Paid family leave benefits keep an income steady.

Source:

California Employment Development Department, California's Programs for the Unemployed (November 2010).