California Paid Family Leave Calculator
2026Calculate paid family leave benefits in California. California offers a state PFL program. Estimate your weekly benefit amount and duration.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
About this tool: California runs its PFL through state-administered insurance funded by payroll tax. The widget below is the general paycheck calculator (not PFL-specific) and shows your gross-to-net flow including any state PFL/FAMLI deductions. To estimate your actual leave benefit, apply the wage replacement % and weekly cap listed in the program-details section below to your weekly gross.
Net Pay (Bi-Weekly)
$2,195.87
Annual Take-Home
$57,092.50
Total Tax (Annual)
$17,907.50
Paycheck Breakdown (Bi-Weekly)
| Gross Pay | $2,884.62 |
| Federal Income Tax | - $295.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | - $178.85 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | - $41.83 |
| California State Tax | - $173.08 |
| Net Pay | $2,195.87 |
Annual Summary
| Gross Annual Income | $75,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | - $7,670.00 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | - $5,737.50 |
| California State Tax (estimate) | - $4,500.00 |
| Total Deductions & Tax | - $17,907.50 |
| Annual Take-Home Pay | $57,092.50 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $4,757.71 |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
Does California have paid family leave?
California has a state-mandated Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. Workers can receive partial wage replacement for bonding with a new child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or military exigency leave.
California PFL details (2026): 60–70% wage replacement for up to 8 weeks; funded by the State Disability Insurance (SDI) payroll tax of 1.2% on wages with no wage cap. Apply through EDD.
California PFL: program, contribution, max benefit
- Program name
- California Paid Family Leave (PFL)
- Max weekly benefit (2026)
- $1,681/week (90% of regular wage for low earners)
- Contribution structure
- Employee 1.2% (no wage cap, 2026)
California enacted the country's first PFL program (SB 1661, 2002, effective 2004) providing up to 8 weeks of partial wage replacement for new parents and family caregivers, expanded to up to 8 weeks for any qualifying purpose under SB 951 (2022). For 2026, low-wage workers receive 90% wage replacement up to $1,681/week (raised from 70% under SB 951). Employee contribution is 1.2% with the state-imposed wage cap removed in 2024 — making CA one of the most progressive PFL programs in the country.
California Key Rates & Limits (2026)
| Paid Family Leave | Yes |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | Yes (1.2%) |
| State Income Tax | progressive (up to 13.3%) |
| Minimum Wage | $16.9/hr |
California paid family leave — frequently asked questions
How much does California Paid Family Leave pay in 2026?
California PFL pays a maximum of $1,681 per week in 2026 — the highest of any state PFL program. Under SB 951 (effective 2025), low-wage workers receive 90% wage replacement (up from 70%), while higher earners receive 70%. Coverage runs up to 8 weeks per benefit year for bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. The program is administered by the EDD alongside SDI.
How much do California employees pay for SDI and PFL in 2026?
Employees pay 1.2% of all wages — combined SDI plus PFL — with no taxable wage cap (the cap was eliminated in 2024 under SB 951, making California one of the most progressive PFL programs). On a $200,000 salary, that's $2,400 per year. Employers pay nothing — the program is funded entirely by employee contributions. High earners now subsidize the higher 90% wage-replacement benefit for low-wage workers.
Who is eligible for California Paid Family Leave?
Any California employee who has paid into SDI for at least 5 of the previous 18 months is eligible — with a minimum of $300 in earnings during that period. There is no employer-size threshold and no length-of-service requirement at the current job. Self-employed workers can opt in via the EDD's Disability Insurance Elective Coverage program. Notably, PFL does not provide job protection on its own — that comes from the federal FMLA or California CFRA.