PFL For Dads in California 2022 | How Long? | How Much? | How to File?

Paid family leave benefits for California dads explained!
If you are wondering if dads are eligible for PFL, the Answer is yes!
* You can use the calculator I’ve linked below to determine approximately how much you will make during your leave. edd.ca.gov/disability/PFL_Cal...
Paid family leave benefits are not just for moms! You can get paid up to $12,320 for up to 8 weeks of PFL. The money is non taxable income and is specifically intended to supplement income for dads so that they can take leave to bond with their new child.
In this video I'm specifically going to cover PFL benefits for California dads who are employed by a company who does not offer any paid family leave benefits directly through their company (typically companies with 50 employees or less). So if you're self-employed or work for a small company I’m going to walk you through the eligibility requirements, when to file a claim, how to file a claim, how to calculate your payout, and how the benefit payments work.
Keep in mind the money you get paid for pfl is non taxable but you can’t be receiving a paycheck from an employer during that time. Ie you are actually supposed to be on leave. It’s a great way to supplement income while you bond with your new baby.
Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides benefit payments to people who need to take time off work to:
* Bond with a new child, there are even benefits if you are a foster parent or adoptive parent
0:00 Intro PFL for Dads
0:25 Who This Video is For
0:50 What This Video Covers
1:04 Who Qualifies?
2:29 When to File?
2:55 How to File?
3:30 How Much Does PFL Pay?
4:49 Get More Money from PFL
5:25 Final Thoughts
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for PFL benefit payments, you must have:
* Welcomed a new child into the family in the past 12 months through birth.
* Paid into State Disability Insurance (noted as "CASDI" on most paystubs) in the past 5 to 18 months.
* Not taken the maximum eight weeks of PFL in the past 12 months.
* Currently employed or actively looking for work
WHEN TO FILE
* You actually need to have started leave, ie not reporting a paycheck
* Within 12 months of having baby
* Complete and submit your claim form no earlier than the first day your family leave begins, but no later than 41 days after your family leave begins or you may lose benefits.

[@valetudo151]

Thank you this was really helpful. Learning about FMLA and PFL as a new dad was overwhelming.

[@CaelaCook]

Awesome glad it helped! Congrats!

[@Boltzmann619]

Thank you much for the info! I appreciate you!

[@CaelaCook]

You are so welcome!

[@cinnamoroll]

Thank you very much very simple but powerfull

[@CaelaCook]

You bet!

[@markjamespanaligan3178]

Thank you for this info, now inknow i have recieved any email because I just file recently I should apply before i take a leave

[@CaelaCook]

Hello you can’t apply until you actually start leave

[@dafoof9640]

Hi! So glad I found your video! Way better explanation than having to read around the official site. I have a question: I thought I saw that to qualify you also have to have worked for at least 12 months with your employer? Is this true? I’ve only worked for about 5 months at my new job. Thanks!

[@CaelaCook]

Hello, you qualify if - You Are a part-time or full-time employee of the public or private sector who has contributed to the State Disability Insurance program or a self-employed Californian who has contributed to the Disability Insurance Elective Coverage Program at some point during the previous 18 months. They will look back on previous quarters to determine wages (they have a chart online you can refer to). I would wait until you have a full paid quarter to file. Hope this helps!

[@cinnamoroll]

As new dado i was so lost and you help me alot specially that EDD is not answering the phone to help me

[@CaelaCook]

Awesome glad it helped!

[@JayjNoah]

For real! I called EDD for 2 hrs straight they don’t answer! I guess I got more stuff to learn

[@filisemaafu2547]

@caelacook at my job I am able to use pfl and CFRA is that a good way to start off or just use one or the other ?? Thanks

[@haleeusa]

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to create these videos - so very helpful! My husband has a full-time job, but has also been doing Uber Eats/DoorDash on the side to make extra money. Would he be able to continue with food delivery under PFL since its not his full time job or will he need to pause that side hustle while requesting PFL since he would be receiving a check? Thank you!!

[@CaelaCook]

The income from door dash will be taken into account when his payouts are calculated. So he can continue but his payout amounts will be impacted.

[@JP-ve6gb]

Thank you for the info! Great Video. Do I have to take the 8 weeks all at once? Or can I use 1 week after the birth of my child, then another week a couple months later and so on?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello, yes you can split up your leave, you do not need to take it out once

[@NoWinTennis]

Hi thanks for the video! Do you know if you have to report a paycheck that came in during your leave even though your last day of work was before leave (most employers give biweekly checks 1 week after all hours submitted for the previous 2 weeks). Also do you know if you can work like 1 day per week and still received PFML?

[@CaelaCook]

If you partially work during your leave your leave payment amount will be reduced. You do not need to report the check it all based on last day worked not when the checks were paid. Hope this helps!

[@ryannotestine4253]

Hi there! Thanks for putting together this helpful video! 2 questions for you… 1. For the proof document; if you’re sending in a birth certificate, I think the LA city rep told me they really can’t quickly issue the original copy and I’d need to wait for I thought I’ve heard 6weeks(?) to get a legitimate copy. When you need to file within 41days after starting PFL, what document to send for proof if you don’t have access to a birth certificate in time? 2. What date do you put in for date I last worked? Last day I physically was working, or last day I was on my company’s payroll. I ask this because my last day I’ve actually worked was 6/29, and I have a 1wk on/1wk off schedule. Had baby on 7/4 but I was scheduled to be off until 7/6 anyways. I’ve been using sick time from 7/7 to 7/13, and am scheduled to be off again from 7/14 to 7/20. So my company will actually stop paying me starting from 7/21. What day should I enter in the form? The day the company will stop paying me(7/20), or when I actually started to stop showing up to work but was using sick time(7/6), or the last day that I physically went in to work (6/29)? I know that’s a lot but thank you!!

[@CaelaCook]

They require proof of relationship aka Birth verification which must clearly show the child’s name, date of birth, gender, and the name of the parent claiming benefits. In regards to your second question. You may not get any or not get full benefits if you were still collecting a check during your “leave”, they will ask the day you physically stopped working on the claim, what you choose to put is your decision.

[@DorianMartinezPreciado]

Hi! Great video, very informative! Quick question, my baby was born last week but im planning to take my PFL on January next year. When should i apply? Right now? Or wait until January to apply?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello! You’ll have to wait until you actually go on leave, thank you!

[@khalidmajeediraqbaghdad]

Thank you for the information. I love the way you made things easy to understand. my wife already took all the maternity leave and is going back to work at the end of the month. my wife's work is hybrid an can work some days from home and other days in the office. Can I take the days she is working in office as PFL and submit the number of days later lets say for four weeks I took 12 days . Or I can only take full week off in order to be eligible for the PFL.

[@CaelaCook]

Hello, glad the video was useful. If you take days here and there you’d like only get partial benefits for those weeks because you’d be part time. I’d message in on the portal to see if you can get answers !

[@jespino102]

Great video! Question regards extending paternity leave. Once it’s done, and I still want to take more time off. Can I apply for something else? And will I be able to get paid? Thank you so much in advance

[@CaelaCook]

Hello! After your Pfl is up there isn’t another program through the edd that I know of, sometimes employees have extended options. Congrats on the baby!

[@russelllayton2477]

Thank you, this was a great video and was very helpful. Do you know if I would be able to take say three weeks off just after our son is born and then three weeks a few months later? In other words, how difficult was it to file or would it be a pain to file multiple times to spread the bonding time out?

[@CaelaCook]

You can take leave intermittently. Ie 3 weeks at a time. You would need to file each time. I’m not as familiar with this process so I would direct any specific questions to the sdi. Hope this helps!

[@russelllayton2477]

@@CaelaCook Thanks, it does!

[@bobespnza-la7030]

I’m with you on this. I’ll be doing half now and half during the Christmas holiday.

[@md8388]

Hi! Thank you so much for making such a helpful video on this very confusing process! 😅 Question: is there a difference between PFL and FMLA? I thought fathers received 12 weeks, are fathers only eligible for 8 weeks paid through Eddl? I saw an option on eddl for non industrial disability insurance-family care leave that says you can take leave to bond with a new child entering the family. Can this be used in addition to PFL or no? Thank you SO much! 🙌🏽

[@CaelaCook]

Hello, PFL through the EDD is 8 weeks and is different than FMLA. I am not familiar with the non industrial leave but I would guess it’s another option for PFl but not to be used as an addition to regular PFL. Thank you!

[@user-oy2jv7wn6r]

Hello, I submitted my PFL for a month and a half. However I was planning to use the last 2 weeks another time in the year but I will have to use those 2 weeks now with the month and a half I’ve been off. My question to you is how would I be able to extend my leave? I’m currently on leave now and my claim will expire 03/15. How can I extend and you the last 2 weeks of eligible PFL I have? Thank you!

[@SandraSanchez-yv5gn]

Hello 👋🏼 this is such a helpful video thank you very much. My question is I gave birth May 22nd 2021 and went back to work mid July. I am now taking my Paid family leave. Will the maximum benefits be re-calculated from when I went back to work or will they just continue from when I took maternity leave. Thank you once again.

[@CaelaCook]

The pfl is a Separate claim so it should recalculate. Thanks for watching!

[@alejandrotorres1384]

Hello, I’m a self employed individual how do I know if I’m paying into sdi? Is it included when I pay self employment tax on my taxes or is it a separate payment to the state?

[@dominicnfon7296]

Thank you so much. This is very informative. I have a question. When the ask ”l *Do you want to claim the maximum amount of benefit weeks now? What does this actually mean?

[@CaelaCook]

They are asking if you plan on taking all eight weeks of leave at once. Thank you for watching and congratulations!

[@dominicnfon7296]

@@CaelaCook thank you very much

[@samuelsustaita4009]

Can u use vacation time first? Then file for fmla?

[@tjbrown-pinizzotto7664]

awesome video! quick question for you: i've taken 2 months off & have only gotten paid for the first half. should i be expecting the remaining amount to come in at some point? it's already been 2 plus weeks since I received the first debit card so hoping there's a delay on edd's side of things or maybe this is the normal wait time. any insight would be appreciated, thanks!

[@tjbrown-pinizzotto7664]

For anyone reading this I ended up having to call & somehow was able to get through (called a local EDD office first & they connected me). They processed the rest of the money & got it within 24 hours.

[@CaelaCook]

Hello and thank you for watching. I would check the claim activity in the online portal this will tell you what dates have been approved for payment. There you can confirm that the entire time has been approved. Also check the messages and make sure they don’t need anything from you.

[@tjbrown-pinizzotto7664]

Never received messages online when I signed into my account since I mailed in the application.

[@jasminehouston5201]

Hi Caela, I hope you see this message. How would we file if my husband had winter break from his school 12/17-1/1 (still paid for this time I believe), but we want his maternity leave to begin when the break is finished and is scheduled for work January 2nd? His last day of work was technically December 16th. Would he need to go back to work on January 2nd to make filing easier on the portion where it says “last date worked?” Not sure how to go about this, but I would appreciate any suggestions you might have! Thank you so much in advance!

[@CaelaCook]

Hello he would not need to go back to work. He can list the actual date he stopped work (12/16) and then the date his leave will officially start (which will be 1/2)- hope this helps!

[@jasminehouston5201]

@@CaelaCook tremendously helpful! Thank you so much!😊

[@triplejay8829]

@CaelaCook used 4 week of the 8 last year baby is not 1 yet currently taking the remainder of the PFL now in weeks at a time but how do i apply for continuation of bonding time (PFL) online or only by mail? very informative video thanks

[@CaelaCook]

You bet, I haven’t done a continuation application but I would imagine you can apply both ways. I prefer online to track everything!

[@Jaeyoungkim1979]

Hi first off all your videos is awesome!! I have few questions i want to apply for pfl during im receving my pfl can i work like in uber or that kind apps? And my wife it’s about to have my son in 2 moth she was a household she can apply for maternity leave ( she used to do little job pick up our neighbors kids in school sell stuff in internet but never have paystub) she can apply for maternity leave? Thank youu

[@CaelaCook]

You have to have a job that pays into SDI for the previous 5-18 months prior to the filing date in order to collect PFL. You can work while on PFL, but if it’s on the books (wages are getting reported via a paystub) your payout will be less. I would imagine Uber is on the books.

[@luisjuarez905]

Hello I was wondering if I have to submit a copy of the birth certificate with my application at the same time

[@CaelaCook]

Yes you can upload the proof of birth when you apply online for Pfl

[@drakerobison6169]

Hey Caela! Do I have to manually cancel my PFL payment benefit after my 6 weeks are up, or will the benefit automatically stop. I just want to make sure I don’t get overpaid. Thanks! - Tired new Father

[@CaelaCook]

Hello you actually get 8 weeks of paid leave unless you are going back to work. Check your message portal they typically ask for updates on your status there. Thank you!

[@josenevarez5976]

Hello, I have a question. When do I submit my paystubs? Do I mail a copy of them along with the application? Or does EDD contact my job about my paystubs?

[@CaelaCook]

Edd may contact you for copies of your pay stubs I which case you’d mail them in!

[@erickdavila2033]

Thanks for the information. Can I only claim one PFL if I had twins? And How do I submit my kid’s birth certificate?

[@CaelaCook]

hello just looked this up for you. Maternity leave is per pregnancy not per child, so unfortunately you get no extra for twins, triplets or more. The amount you receive will depend on your earnings. You just upload a photo of the BC. Hope this helps and congrats!

[@thisendlessdream]

I mailed in my PLF form the the week before I start my leave cuz I was told the processing time is about 1 week so I tried to time it so they will have it to begin processing my pay when I start leave.. Will it be rejected or should I mail in another one?

[@CaelaCook]

If they receive it before the start date they may reject it, when you apply online you are unable to select a future date.

[@lencapistrano6016]

Thank you very helpful. Question can I use my sick time (3.20 hrs per day) to equal a full pay from employer and EDD? Not sure why EDD denied my claim. My HR did deduct 8hrs per day for my first week. Does PFL pay for first week of when my son was born? Thank you!

[@lencapistrano6016]

Sorry, one more question. I just submitted my appeal. It said on the form while appeal is pending need to return a claim certification for periods that you want to claim benefits. Where do I get that claim certification? Thank you!

[@CaelaCook]

There is no waiting period for PFL. In regards to combining sick pay with PFL, this is what it says online - You may be able to take unused sick leave and receive PFL benefits at the same time, but the combined benefits cannot exceed 100 percent of your regular earnings or your PFL benefits will be reduced by the amount of sick leave wages received.

[@B07ll]

Hello! Your videos helped my wife and are helping me so far. My only question to you is: I been with the company I’m currently working for about 8 months. It’s almost been 2 years but I left and came back. I called the company where they handle leaves and what not. The lady said since I technically been with the company for less than a year I won’t get paid through the company (obviously) but she said that the state of California would only pay me 2 weeks. Is that true?

[@CaelaCook]

If you aren’t getting any leave from the company than California will pay for 8 weeks

[@B07ll]

@@CaelaCook me and my wife appreciate how straightforward and informative you are. Thank you!

[@meghabhaidasna08]

Hi can both the parents take pfl at the same time. Do we get 8 full weeks or it is splited ?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes you both get 8 weeks and will file separately it’s not a joint venture. Congrats!

[@SoyTiti831]

So I’m confused on the “no earlier than the day you start your family leave” so I do submit it the day I want start or later? Just not before I’ve started right? And I already asked my job for time off but it’s unpaid and it’s about 2 weeks I’ve already been home with my wife and newborn and only discovered I was able to do PFL so I would I count that day I asked for my job off and extend it as many weeks as I want to add

[@SoyTiti831]

I could really use some help and to clarify I already am on time off of work I go back the 17 but want to extend it with PFL for another 3 weeks I’ve already been off since the 3rd of this month

[@CaelaCook]

Since you’ve already started leave and haven’t been working you can submit a claim right away. As long as you don’t go back to work you’ll continue to get paid. The max amount of pfl is 8 weeks; so if you take the remaining 3 weeks off and within a year of your babies birth you get file another claim for pfl. Congrats!

[@hitman3867]

Hello, thank you for your video. I am currently a new Dad well soon to be dad and my kid is due in January but I want to know how soon can I file a claim and get the ball rolling before it gets too late

[@CaelaCook]

Yes as long as you’ve stopped working and your doctor will submit a statement that you are unable to work due to pregnancy. Thank you for watching!

[@hitman3867]

@@CaelaCook even if I am a independent contractor/self employed and what program do I apply for on edd ty

[@bobespnza-la7030]

Hello!! I just started my PFL for dads today. I have an interesting case..I have both a W2 and 1099; self-employed. Is this double the benefit? Since I will be taking time off from my 1099 job as well. Thank you!

[@CaelaCook]

It depends if you paid into sdi via the 1099. If so then they will take into account both wages, not double time off

[@daniellewilliams3959]

Thank you! I'm pretty sure PFL is taxable though right? At least federally.

[@CaelaCook]

That is correct!

[@emilyt4465]

How long does it take to receive your newborns birth certificate? And is there somewhere where i have to pick it up from or is it given to me at the hospital?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello! We received ours in the mail in about 2 weeks! The hospital typically orders it so you may be able to ask for a pickup option. Congrats!

[@chrispytacos]

Thank you for the vid! I don’t have the birth certificate but I do have a verification letter does that work the same?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello! I’ve actually had several people ask this and if you go online there is a list of all the documents that qualify Child's Birth Certificate. Child's Hospital Birth Certificate. Declaration of Paternity (CS-909) Foster Care Placement Record (SOC-815) Official letter from the foster care agency. Adoptive Placement Agreement (AD-907) Independent Adoption Placement Agreement (AD-924)

[@chrispytacos]

@@CaelaCook thank you! I did see those when filling out the form but went with ‘other’ because I didn’t know how classify under those and risking them denying. Hoping it goes well.

[@CaliStaxx]

Hello, do you have any suggestions for dads who are state employees and want to expand their families?

[@CaelaCook]

There are alternative options listed on the edd site, check those out!

[@jaydenp4975]

What about pfl concurrently with CFRA?

[@CaelaCook]

Pfl is paid through the state CFRA doesn’t have to do with payouts, it’s only a form or job protection, so yes. Thank you for watching!

[@davidbuchwald6487]

New dad here and I've been binging all your videos! Super helpful. My only question is can I apply for PFL for myself if I'm currently on Unemployment? I have high paid quarters to make it worth it to apply for PFL now, I'm just not sure how it would work since I'm on unemployment.

[@davidbuchwald6487]

@@ozshimon21 yes it turns out you can still apply for PFL, doesn't matter if you're employed or unemployed. They will just look at your highest paid quarter to determine how much you will get per week. As long as you worked and made money from the last 5-18 months, you're good.

[@davidbuchwald6487]

@@ozshimon21 Doesn't matter. Can be multiple employers. Hope this helps.

[@MosheOfTheMostHigh]

Do you know how to go about taking PFL intermittently because I want to take 1 week off per month l, but I’m confused to the process. Thanks and great video!

[@CaelaCook]

That’s a good question you can take leave intermittently. I’m not sure how the calculations would work in this case. I would do a bit of research on their site or message them in the portal

[@GSTWorkshop]

How do you file if you plan to split up the time off? example is I'm taking 3 weeks off now but returning to work then 2 months later take another 3 weeks?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello I believe you need to file separately for each time, but I haven’t done this process so I don’t know for sure. Thank you for watching !!

[@lorenzocastillejos]

Hi! I can apply edd to my part time job and im in paternal leave in my full time job is that passible ?

[@CaelaCook]

You will file 1 claim and list both employers.

[@pajaritopajarito7177]

do you need to use all of your vacation and sick time before applying to FMLA for baby bonding time for a dad?

[@CaelaCook]

The edd doesn’t look at sick time or vacation and that will not effect eligibility through them. If you have a leave program through your employer the rules be different. Thank you for watching!

[@gadobladegaming9188]

I have two jobs.. but there is only one spot to add an employer.. so how do I let them know I have another employer and how can they find it out.. do I fill out another paper

[@CaelaCook]

See my reply to your other comment 😊

[@Lokedout562]

Hi I had some trouble they denied me due to birth certificate can I reapply asap?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes! Or if they message you and give you the option to respond you can continue with the same claim

[@user-zs5ww3ey3d]

So I just got a job i hopefully start later on today and my girlfriend is due in July 25 can I still apply for for the bounding time?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes, the payments are based on your previous 5-18 months of employment

[@AE24N]

Hi can apply before my child is born or after ? & weeks before

[@CaelaCook]

Hello you can’t apply until after your baby is born!

[@Anybodykilla_]

If I plan to take leave on Monday but I still receive a check this week, I can apply for plf on Monday because I won’t have a income the following week?

[@mel1991mg]

Thank you so much for the information so for disability I got denied they dated because I didn’t build sufficient funds from my company(due to COVID) so I didn’t receive no pay after giving birth sadly so know I’m working and I want to take my bonding time but would I have to inform my company that I will be taking baby bonding time

[@CaelaCook]

Yes you would and you wouldn’t be able to get a paycheck for that period. Thank you for watching!

[@curcuitmike]

Hi I have a question, i took a week off for PFL and I need to return to work for 2 weeks then take 2 more weeks off later. I plan to break it up randomly. On the form it asks when I plan to return back to work. What do I put down if I’m not sure when I plan to return back to work? Do I need to reapply every time I return to PFL?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello, since you are splitting up your claim, I believe you would need to refile each time. That being said I did not do a split claim and am not 100% on the process

[@mahiprathore2195]

Thank you for such a helpful video. I applied for unemployment insurance effective from 9/4/2022 and i became a father on 9/28/2022. I am aware that they will either pay UI or PFL, so I am confused which direction to go to now. Do you have any insights?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello and thank you for watching. Unfortunately I do not have the knowledge to give advice on a unemployment insurance. You can always reach out to the EDD directly with any questions. I prefer their message portal because they never answer the phone. Congratulations!

[@mahiprathore2195]

Thanks a lot:) yes they never pick up lol. I will try the message portal.

[@ez3565]

Is FMLA the same as medical leave? I'm taking a medical leave for myself due to anxiety. I'm so confused on how to claim that through the EDD website.

[@CaelaCook]

Hello I would guess that would fall under short term disability. You’d also need a doctor to fill out the supporting documents. Is the anxiety due to pregnancy?

[@venkatasubbaiahdasari4317]

Hi Mam, I am facing an issue while filling PFL form. My first name has 15 letters where as in the form there are only 12 boxes for the first name. Please let me know how to fill my first name. Due to the same reason i could not file online. Please help.

[@CaelaCook]

Interesting haven’t heard that one before, I would imagine you just list the first 12 letters

[@Thebayplanes]

Awesome video !! I’m a new dad in California . Do I qualify for 12 weeks paid leave ?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello and thank you for watching California pays for 8 weeks, your employer may pay for more through a work program

[@Thebayplanes]

@@CaelaCook thanks a lot Great video . Thanks for the info

[@Steph-yi4qc]

My man just lost his job and our baby’s due date is in 4 weeks. I just filed for SDI. But unsure what he can do?

[@CaelaCook]

He can file for PFL after the baby is born!

[@mattgarcia8220]

Hi, was filling out my PFL and was wondering what this meant? Does that mean they will pay you all the 6 weeks at once? Thanks “do you want to claim the maximum amount of benefit weeks now?”

[@CaelaCook]

Hello, is that a specific option on there? I think that may be new since I did the filing.

[@skywalkin2396]

Hi new dad here just got one question I’m taking off 3 months for baby leave bonding I understand I get paid for only 8 weeks but on my application it says what dates I want to get paid through do I put 8 weeks or 12 weeks?

[@CaelaCook]

Congrats! You’ll only get 8 so it won’t matter either way unless your employer has a plan!

[@ManuelGarcia-xf6zx]

I know you can start leave within 12 months but can you go passed baby’s first year birthday? Or does the paid leave end on 1st birthday?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello and thank you for watching. That’s a very good and specific question. Online it says that the weave can start no later than your child’s first birthday. To me that indicates that you can receive benefits from the start date and beyond the first birthday but it never hurts to clarify it with the EDD directly through their messaging portal.

[@veronicapeoples2178]

We had a baby 2019 if your child turns 1 you NO LONGER QUALIFY I was told by the EDD directly and only received 2 weeks instead of 6 weeks waited too long and he turned 1 2 weeks into the 6 weeks and I got cut so the last 6 weeks is essentially your deadline not a full 12 don’t miss out like us!

[@kenyatapia2596]

I think someone asked this question I just wasn’t super clear with the answer. Does the hospital provide birth verification so that we can file right away? Because it states a birth certificate takes 5-8 weeks to come in.

[@CaelaCook]

Hi Kenya congratulations! Yes you are Correct this was asked before. Verification can be in the form of a formal document - Proof of Birth verification must clearly show the child’s name, date of birth, gender, and the name of the parent claiming benefits. If you want to know exactly what type of documentation to request you will need to contact the EDD via the message portal

[@gadobladegaming9188]

How do I add another employer? Or will they find my other job?

[@CaelaCook]

Interesting I thought I had recalled adding a second employer, if not they will check your total reported income which should include both employers

[@mclovendoe8329]

Why should we wait if we recently got a raise? 5:10 into video

[@CaelaCook]

The edd looks at your base period to calculate your payout. They will pay out 60% of your highest paying quarter. If you can plan your leave to include your highest paying quarter you’ll get paid out more

[@bigbird6451]

Can I work during the week and use the time on weekends for an extra check?

[@CaelaCook]

Any income that is getting reported to the edd during your leave will affect your payout. Hope this helps!

[@fatimamorales2416]

I started my sdi January 28 and gave birth February 18 and April 1 is my 6 weeks postpartum is that mean my disability is done? If so, do I need to file the pfl or is it automatically filed already? Thank you so much.

[@CaelaCook]

Hello! You’ll need to file a new claim for PFl. You may be able to extend your disability past 6 weeks if your doctor says you still aren’t fit to work. Congrats!

[@DrPonce09]

Good day. Out of curiosity, is it possible to work while receiving the Paid Family Leave? Also, I work 2 jobs. Both full time, but 1 allows 3 months of leave, and the other has no benefits at all. Would Paid Family Leave calculate the highest paying quarter for both jobs combined or just the one that allows 3 months leave? I know you mentioned that even if a company that has less than 50 employeea has no leave, first time fathers still qualify. Apologies, first time father and have so many questions. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless.

[@CaelaCook]

You can work while on leave but your pay out will be less since you are still receiving income. As long as you pay into sdi on both checks it would be calculated on both incomes. Thank you!

[@DrPonce09]

@@CaelaCook Thank you so much. Appreciate your help 🙏

[@reykaye12]

Hello, i just started this paid family leave and recived my debit card. My question is, i filed another claim and was wondering if i get a new debit card again or do they reload the one i already have? Also do you know how long it takes to recieve payment after the intial claim. Thank you and great helpful videos.

[@CaelaCook]

Hello! What was the other claim you filed? As far as reloading or getting a new debit card I am not sure I have always requested checks for payment. Thanks for watching!

[@Reneaum8248]

Hi. I got a question. I am currently working now. I just applied for pfl. My wife is do this week. And planning of not working next week to be home for her and the babe. Am I doing it right? Also we work a lot of prevailing jobs. Would that be my highest paid calculated or my regular rate?

[@CaelaCook]

The rate is calculated by the your highest paid quarter. It doesn’t matter if your hourly rate fluctuates. They may deny your claim if you applied before you stopped working. You can’t file a PFL claim until you stop working and have proof of the birth.

[@reelrealing]

So i applied for PFL in October, of 2023. While i was filing it. They asked for a proof of relationship and accidentally hit back button. I couldn't find that page anymore. After a few weeks, My claim was denied. I called multiple times To get a hold of Someone and no answer. Now i'm most likely not getting paid for thata week. Hopefully the second claim goes smoothly because i didnt take the full 6 weeks off.

[@CaelaCook]

Hello do you actually get 8 weeks paid leave. Just refile the claim with the correct dates. You shouldn’t loose out on that week

[@reelrealing]

@CaelaCook awesome! Just did that on Monday! With 6 weeks but now I know. Thank you!

[@mouraddzliion312]

toop vedio. necii🖒🖒🖒

[@CaelaCook]

Thank you!

[@GodAlwaysWins]

What if I do not have the 1,250 hours required by fmla

[@CaelaCook]

You can apply for PFL through the edd

[@residentialplug]

Hi, was wondering if im able to get paid using PFL for the 2 weeks i had off for my new born, this was a week ago as ive had to go back to work bc i cannot get fmla, and also if i continue to have less hours than normal will PFL provide me with compensation for those hours as i usually get 40 but have been getting 24, thank you

[@CaelaCook]

Yes to both!

[@romancontreras8914]

Hello nice video, shame they can't answer the phone. Do you know how long does it take to process? is been almost 3 weeks since I submitted the application online.

[@CaelaCook]

Hello and thank you for watching. That seems like a longer wait then usual. Have you checked the status of your claim and followed up via the message portal? They do respond on there. Best of luck!

[@romancontreras8914]

Thanks for the reply, I will wait and hope I get something on the mail. If not I will the message portal thanks for that info Have a good day!!

[@davismersereau5723]

hey Caela, great video - can't believe there aren't more like it. I'm self-employed dad to be. What I don't understand is the timing of paying into SDI (CASDI) and filing claim. Let's say I start paying Sep. 1. Does this mean that I can't file a claim until 18 months later ? Thanks!

[@CaelaCook]

Hello thank you for watching. They look at your highest paying quarter in the previous 5-18 months. If you wanted to show income for a full quarter you would need to start paying in 8 months prior to filing. Being self employed gives you a lot of flexibility as far as how you set your wages. Hope this helps

[@honeylubana2452]

Hello…i have one question please help me… I’m owner operator(semi truck driver) with 1099 no wages no paycheck only simple check…so can I eligible for this leave…? Thank you

[@CaelaCook]

When you say simple check what does that mean? The main factor for qualification is if SDI or CASDI has been deducted from your check. Ask your employer if you're unsure!

[@ankan1627]

Hi, I filed a claim but they denied it because I was being paid 50% by my employer. Now that more than 41 days have passed since my leave I dont know that I can file again. How do I appeal?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello! If you can’t appeal because the claim has gone stale you can reapply call in. I previously recommend against this but if you call enough times and wait on hold you will get through. I probably called 40 times and was on hold for a combined or 4 hours, but I didn’t finally get questions answered.

[@kcrides761]

So pretty much dads have to wait a month after baby is born to start geting money ? So the baby has to be born first then wait for a birth certificate then u could apply but dang that’s hard on any dad paying bills so the most important month of baby birth dads have to stay at work untill u get paper work🤔🤔

[@CaelaCook]

There isn’t a waiting period a birth certificate is not the only option, I checked online and it states - Proof of Birth verification must clearly show the child’s name, date of birth, gender, and the name of the parent claiming benefits.

[@saulperez5769]

Hi i have a question like im having a month off my job 12/12/22 - 1/12/22 Are they are only gonna payme the 4 weeks im off ?? And if they just payme 4 weeks can i do another claim with the other 4 weeks? Im aplaying for a new born child

[@CaelaCook]

Yes you can do 4 weeks at a time, you don’t need to take all 8 weeks of leave at once. Thank you!

[@johngarcia7752]

Hello when do I apply after the baby is born or before??

[@CaelaCook]

It Has to be after, Thank you for watching!

[@tedmanuel6963]

Can I apply for the pfl from outside of CA? Moving out of state after the baby is born for new job, but I’ve been working in CA for more than 2 yrs.

[@CaelaCook]

Hello and thank you for watching. Unfortunately I’m not familiar with relocation in the midst of application. You can always message them as they never answer the phone. Best of luck

[@mykidsmyeverything2021]

Do we get 2 paychecks from fmla or just one ? Cause I've been out for the whole month and only got one paycheck from fmla.

[@CaelaCook]

Hello the Fmla is through your employer, are you referring to pfl?

[@mykidsmyeverything2021]

@@CaelaCook yes the pfl my mistake

[@lovemrch1]

Will applying for PFL through state negatively affect unemployment benefits or they are not related?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello and thank you for watching! I do not believe they are related, I looked online and didn’t find a definitive anwser right away. Sorry I couldn’t be more of a help!

[@lovemrch1]

@@CaelaCook thanks for checking!

[@jennyarambula651]

How does it work if I took 5 weeks before delivery? Does it cut my time short by 1 week for after delivery? Also my husband hasn’t been at his job for 1 year he will be a month short, but he has definitely worked the 1250 hours so would he still qualify for his paternity leave?

[@CaelaCook]

For pfl the time you took before won’t reduce the time after!

[@CaelaCook]

In regards to your husband you’d have to contact them to see if he will qualify for anything. Also he can take Aleve up to 12 months after the baby is born so if he gets a job now he can take it later

[@alfredobonilla4641]

Hello I have a question 🙋🏻‍♂️ my wife is having our baby this November 12th do I file the day we bring baby home or the day of delivery. And as for proof what do I show if I don’t have babies birth certificate yet

[@jasonwilliams4159]

For proof you can provide a birth verification letter. You can file on the day of birth but you don’t have to. Don’t file too early or they might send it back to you. And you get 8 weeks that you can spread out over the course of a year.

[@CaelaCook]

Yes Jason thank you!

[@arturoverdugo9284]

Hi I got a question. If I got my a payment of 5 days. Does that mean I got approved

[@CaelaCook]

Yes you can also check claim status and payment status online!

[@MyZangief]

Hi, I'm a new Dad. My son was born on 11/30/21! I just started a new job on 12/27/21 but prior to that I was working with another company for almost 10 years. Do I qualify? Seeing as how I've been at my new company for a little over 6 months?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes as long as you’ve been paying into sdi

[@philippunla]

My son was born 8/5/2022 and when I applied I put in start of claim to begin the day after he was born which was 8/6. My claim got denied stating I have not incurred loss of wages. I submitted an appeal telling them that my last paycheck was 8/12 due to the rolling pay period but I was officially out of work the day after my son was born. Still waiting for a response from them. Any experience with this? :(

[@CaelaCook]

Either some thing is filled out slightly incorrectly on your application or they will notice the error and accept your appeal, A rolling pay period is very common.

[@philippunla]

I had to call them like 100 times before the line was able to go through and put you on a call back or a very long hold. And yes they were able to fix the problem but its just terrible to go through all that for a silly mistake on their end. Thanks for replying!

[@oldschoolwayz]

If your pay biweekly is $1,750 and have earned that the past quarters what would be my amount?

[@CaelaCook]

$1050 thank you for watching

[@figueroa42020]

I didn’t have a birth certificate when I applied . I had a verification letter from the hospital . Will that work?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello yes they have other forms they will accept. They have them listed in their site. Thank you for watching and congrats!

[@Hmoobhawj_1]

If I take my pfl when the baby was 6 month and my wife is due to having another baby the same calendar year do I have to work 1250 hours or work a year to qualify for another pfl?

[@CaelaCook]

The pfl payout is based on your highest quarter in the previous 5-18 months before your filing date. So as long as you have reportable wages in the period you can file for baby #2. They also have a calculator online to see excepted payouts!

[@Hmoobhawj_1]

@@CaelaCook another question. Can employers make employee return back to work early from pfl?

[@danieltovar9478]

Hello I’m a Dad who went back to work and I have taken a day here and there to spend time with my baby. How do I continue my benefits to get paid for the days I’ve stayed with my son. Im still within the year from when my son was born. I need help on how to continue my benefits. Can you help me please been struggling to figure it out. Thank you

[@CaelaCook]

Hi Daniel you don’t need to PFL all at once however if your taking days at a time that you’re technically still working and may only be eligible for partial benefits. Have you tried sending a message on the portal?

[@jpvillabona]

what if your self emplyed but dont actually pay yourself a paycheck and just report everything on your taxes at end of year?

[@CaelaCook]

You can look online for alternative options for self employed individuals that have not paid into sdi

[@alexisdominique1879]

Ok so file when I'm 35 weeks pregnant to get the early pay then after birth I get the 8 weeks pay right ?

[@CaelaCook]

Hello you can start leave when you stop work. Keep in mind your doctor will need to fill out a form saying you are unable to work because of your pregnancy. The Time you take off before it will not affect how many weeks you get off after. So yes you will still be eligible for up to eight weeks after for disability and then an additional eight weeks for paid family leave.

[@CaelaCook]

Also be sure to watch my other video that’s specific for the mom, this video is for dads!

[@wendypaolarenojperez6353]

hello my husband does not have social security. He only has ITIN how can he qualify for paid family leave.

[@CaelaCook]

Hello I’m not sure if that matters. Since your situation is more unique I would direct message SDI through the portal

[@abbeycassidy5375]

If my husband works 2 jobs does he file 2 separate claims? I tried googling this and nothing would come up. Thank you!!

[@CaelaCook]

Hello ! One claim should suffice as long as both employers paid into sdi, the wages from both jobs will automatically be pulled in. Both employers will get notices that they will be responding to as part of the claim

[@wesswess9196]

@@CaelaCook I had a question concerning this as on EDD website when applying for PFL it doesn’t give you the option to list 2 jobs just one. So do we submit separate claims?

[@sofiamadrigal1041]

For Father's do they need to wait till baby is born to file?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes!

[@rachellet5580]

hi! my husband was at his previous job for 2 years but the company went under this month (May 2023). He started a new job a week after. Our baby is due in June 2023, will he qualify for paid baby bonding still? I understand he won’t qualify for job protection but can he get baby bonding?

[@CaelaCook]

As long as he paid into SDI it with his previous employer qualify, it doesn’t matter if the business is still around

[@MiguelG209]

Some reportable income for the whole 18 months? What if it's only been 11 months and the other 7 months you were receiving unemployment?

[@CaelaCook]

They will look at your highest paying quarter , you can make $0 the other quarters and still qualify. Hope this helps!

[@MiguelG209]

@@CaelaCook thank you for your help.

[@rachelring1371]

While waiting can you work!

[@CaelaCook]

When you say while waiting do you mean while waiting to receive money? If so, you won't be able to work a job that pays into SDI while you wait to receive the money.

[@orlandog6240]

Can I use the hospital birth certificate?

[@CaelaCook]

Yes, you should be able to!