You already paid for up to 29 weeks off. Here's how to get it.
Parents are typically told 12 weeks, unpaid. That's not the whole story. This checklist gives you the real order of steps, so you get the weeks and the money California already owes you.
Used by 1,100+ California familiesHR tells you about 12 weeks. California gives you more.
The 12 weeks come from a federal rule called FMLA. It protects your job. It does not pay you.
Paid leave from your company is a "nice to have." The law does not require it. Some companies pay for a set stretch, like 6 weeks. Many pay nothing.
The pay you are guaranteed comes from the state, through 2 programs called SDI and PFL, run by the EDD. Both typically pay 70% to 90% of your income, and both parents can file under their own claim.
Together, California's programs can protect your job for up to 29 weeks and pay you for up to 25 of them. That money already comes out of your paycheck. HR can hand you paperwork, but HR does not file your claim or know your dates. That part is on you. This checklist walks you through it.
Do these steps apply to you? Find out in 6 questions.
The Paid Leave Quiz shows if you qualify, how many weeks you can take, and about how much you can get each week. Take it once for each parent.
11 steps, in order.
Tap each step as you finish it.
You know the steps. The Blueprint gives you your own numbers, and someone to ask.
This checklist can't know your due date, your pay, or your company's policy. Parents typically spend hours researching this and still end up confused. That's not you missing something. It just doesn't live in one place. The Blueprint puts it in one place, start to finish.
Your own timeline
Put in your due date and last day of work. Get every phase, every date, and when to file, plus a weekly pay estimate.
Word-for-word HR scripts
Like the one above, for every conversation on this checklist.
Weekly office hours
Every Tuesday for 12 months. Bring your own dates and questions.
Want a copy to print? Download the PDF
This is for learning only. It is not legal, tax, or money advice. It's Your Leave is not part of the EDD or any government office. Rules, pay amounts, and deadlines can change. The EDD makes the final choice on every claim.
