The California Paid Family Leave Act [PFLA] is a form of family protection separate of the FMLA or CFRA. it is funded by your SDI contributions from your paycheck. It is administered through the California Employment Development Department. It fills a gap in the the FMLA and CFRA by providing leave benefits, but it covers only your family members, not you. You presumably, and hopefully, have leave available under a sick leave plan and the CFRA / FMLA.
Currently you get 6 weeks of paid leave under the PFLA. That leave increases to 8 weeks effective July 1, 2020. You must obtain your “care recipient” doctor’s certification of the need for care within 41 days of the onset of sickness or your application will lapse. Given that some doctor’s offices have closed or restricted hours now given the Covid-19 quarantine, apply and act early to set the appointment with your doctor.
Here’s what the EDD site states about how much you’ll receive: “If eligible, you can receive about 60 to 70 percent (depending on income) of wages earned 5 to 18 months before your claim start date for up to six weeks within any 12-month period.”
The “family member” includes a broad category of parents, parents-in laws, domestic partners, grand parents, and of course children.
More reassuring right now is that the whole application process is online. But remember, the benefits are tied to your doctor’s certification. Set that appointment promptly. Once the certification is completed, EDD states, they’ll issue your debit card of benefits within 24 hours.
For detailed guidance and other links to complete your PLFA application, go to EDD–About Paid Family Leave (PFL)