Do I Qualify for California SDI and Paid Family Leave? (2026)

It's Your Leave California SDI and PFL eligibility guide

Before you plan your leave, check one thing: do you pay into California's disability program? If you do, you have likely already earned paid time with your baby.

Here is how to tell in about 2 minutes, using your paystub.

Step 1: Look for CA-SDI on your paystub

Find the taxes section of your paystub. Look for a line called CASDI, CA SDI or SDI.

If you see it, money is coming out of each paycheck for State Disability Insurance. In 2026, that is 1.3% of your wages, with no wage cap.

That deduction funds 2 programs you can use when you have a baby:

SDI pays you while you are pregnant and recovering and can't work.
PFL (Paid Family Leave) pays you up to 8 weeks to bond with your baby.

Step 2: Check the basic rules

For PFL, the EDD says you need to:

Have earned at least $300 with SDI taken out in your base period. That is a 12-month window that ends about 5 to 18 months before your claim.
Be working or looking for work when your leave starts.
Lose wages because you are bonding with your new child.

For SDI during pregnancy, you also need a doctor to certify you can't do your regular work, and you must be unable to work for at least 8 days.

The $300 bar is low. If you have worked a W-2 job in California in the past 1 to 2 years, you probably clear it.

Who usually qualifies

W-2 employees at private companies in California with CASDI on their paystub
Part-time workers who meet the $300 minimum
Parents who changed jobs in the past year, since the state looks at wages from all employers in your base period
Partners and non-birthing parents, for PFL bonding

Who may not be covered

Many government and school district employees. Public employers are often exempt from SDI. Some elect coverage for their workers, so check your paystub or ask HR.
Self-employed people and independent contractors. You aren't covered unless you join the state's Disability Insurance Elective Coverage program. You must be enrolled for at least 6 months before you can apply for benefits, so join early.
Workers covered by a Voluntary Plan. Some employers run their own approved plan instead of state SDI. You are still covered, just through your employer's plan. Ask HR how it works.

Qualifying for pay vs. qualifying for job protection

This trips up a lot of parents. Getting paid and keeping your job are separate rules.

SDI and PFL pay you. They are based on your wages.
PDL (Pregnancy Disability Leave) protects your job for up to 4 months while you can't work due to pregnancy. Your employer needs 5 or more employees.
CFRA (California Family Rights Act) protects your job for up to 12 weeks of bonding. Your employer needs 5 or more employees, and you need 1 year and 1,250 hours on the job.

New at your job? You may not have CFRA protection yet, but you can still file for PFL pay. Talk with your employer. Many will approve a leave of absence.

What you could get

California pays about 70% to 90% of your wages, up to $1,765 a week in 2026. For a birthing parent with a typical pregnancy, SDI and PFL together can pay for up to about 18 to 20 weeks, and longer if your doctor certifies more recovery time.

Want the full breakdown? Read How Much Will I Get on California Paid Leave?

Get your answer

Still not sure? Take the free Paid Leave Quiz to see if you qualify and what California can offer your family.

Based on EDD and California Civil Rights Department guidance as of 2026. This is education, not legal advice. Your eligibility is decided by the EDD.