Paid Family Leave Benefits Extended Starting July 2020
The new year is here and with it comes new laws going into effect. Starting on July 1, 2020, parents will be able to enjoy eight weeks of paid family leave. Now individuals will be able to aid their loved ones for eight weeks being the most generous in years compared to the original six weeks. This comes after Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 83 back in June 2019.
SB 83 will extend the maximum duration of paid family leave to eight weeks instead of six weeks which will allow individuals to take care of:
- an ill child, spouse, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling or domestic partner
- bond with a minor child within one year of the birth or placement of the child through foster care or adoption
Californian was the first state to establish a paid family leave program. There are currently only six other states and the District of Columbia offering workers paid leave to care for a new baby or a sick family member. These are the other states that are offering the paid family leave:
- Washington
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
The paid family leave act started back in July 2004 providing wage replacement to workers who need to take time off from work to take care of a newborn, spouse, grandparent or sibling. The paid family leave does not provide job protections or reinstatement right, but a wage supplement program.
The paid family leave program is entirely funded by employee contributions. The state provides partial wage replacement for up to six weeks of leave in any 12-month period. The paid family leave benefits are based on employee earnings and reimbursing them 60% to 70% of earnings depending on their wages.
In the next few months, employers should consider reviewing and revising policies, procedures, parental or paid leave benefits to be compliant with the new changes starting in July 2020.
