How to apply for Paid Family Leave in California: Step-by-step guide (2025)

Learn how to apply for California’s Paid Family Leave in 2025, including who’s eligible, what documents you need, and how to file your claim online or by mail.

by Dr. Jennifer Trimpey

Updated April 24, 2025

If you're a worker in California navigating a major life event in 2025, knowing how to access Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits can offer essential financial and emotional relief. This guide will walk you through exactly how to apply for PFL, what you’ll need to qualify, and where to go to manage your benefits.

Who Is Eligible for Paid Family Leave?

Before applying, make sure you meet California’s eligibility requirements:

You can’t perform your regular job duties.
You’re taking time off to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill family member, or support a military family member deployed abroad.
You’re currently employed or actively looking for work.
You’ve earned at least $300 in the past 18 months and paid into State Disability Insurance (CASDI).

Note: Citizenship and immigration status do not impact your eligibility.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Step 1: Gather Your Information

You’ll need to collect personal and employment details, including:

Social Security number
Most recent employer details
Dates of your paid family leave
Documents related to your qualifying event:
- Bonding: Proof of relationship with the child (e.g., birth certificate)
- Care: Completed medical certification by the care recipient’s licensed physician
- Military Assist: Proof of deployment orders or event documentation

Step 2: File Your Claim

Once you have all your documents ready, submit your claim:

Online: Through the State Disability Insurance (SDI) Online portal
Mail: Use the DE 2501F claim form, which you can request by mail or download from the EDD website.

You must file your claim no earlier than the first day of your leave and no later than 41 days after your leave begins.

Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

Attach or upload all supporting documents. Incomplete or missing information can delay your claim.

Step 4: Wait for EDD Review

The Employment Development Department (EDD) will review your application and determine your eligibility. You may be contacted for additional information.

Step 5: Receive Your First Payment

If approved, you’ll start receiving payments via debit card or direct deposit. Weekly payments range from $50 to $1,681, depending on your previous earnings.

Managing and Ending Your Benefits

Once approved:

Use SDI Online to check your payment status.
Keep documentation for all caregiving or bonding time.
Notify the EDD when your leave ends or circumstances change.

PFL benefits last up to 8 weeks in a 12-month period. These payments do not include job protection, but other laws like the FMLA or California Family Rights Act (CFRA) may protect your position while you're on leave.

Additional Resources

For more on qualifying events and eligibility, review the state's official PFL site.

Final Thoughts

California’s Paid Family Leave can be a lifeline when life takes an unexpected turn. Use this guide to make the application process smoother, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the EDD or a legal aid office if you need additional support.

This article is part of a growing series on California's Paid Family Leave program. Be sure to check out: