California Paid Family Leave Benefits Increased to 90% for Low-Income Workers in 2025

california Expands Paid ⁤Family Leave Benefits in⁢ 2025

Starting January 1, 2025,⁤ millions of California workers will have access​ to more generous paid family⁣ leave benefits, making⁢ it easier for them to balance work and family responsibilities. The expansion, championed by Senator⁤ Maria Elena Durazo‍ and⁢ signed into law by ‌Governor Newsom, signifies California’s ongoing commitment to supporting‌ working families. “SB 951 will ensure every California worker can afford to‍ care for⁣ their family and themselves during life’s most important moments,” said ⁤ Senator Durazo, ⁢the bill’s author. “I applaud ⁤Governor Newsom ⁢for signing my bill into law, which ⁢will allow middle and​ low paid workers ‍to receive up to 90 percent of their wages when out on leave.​ This change will ​benefit millions of workers who have contributed to ⁣the ⁤program during their ⁤careers.This bill, which I was⁢ proud to introduce, is part of⁣ the historic work California is doing to expand equitable​ access⁢ to paid leave.” According to Nancy Farias, Director ⁤of the ‌Employment ⁢Advancement Department‌ (EDD), this benefit boost “makes it more affordable to take time off ‍work and care for an ill family member, bond with a ⁢child, or recover from illness or injury.These investments strengthen California’s workforce and improve the lives of millions of Californians.”

Key Changes ‌for 2025

The 2025 benefit increase will‍ see:

• Workers earning less than $63,000 annually⁤ receiving up to 90% of their regular pay while on leave.
• Higher-income workers receiving up to​ 70% of their regular ⁣pay.
• the increase applying to new claims filed on or after January ⁢1, 2025. Claims filed in 2024‌ will continue at the⁤ 2024 rates.

These changes to California’s disability ‌and paid family leave ⁣programs, which support over 18 million workers ⁢and families, reflect the⁢ state’s dedication to providing a safety net ⁢for its residents ‍during critical life⁢ events.

A Closer Look: California’s Expanded Paid Family Leave Benefits

Today,we’re joined by Senator‌ Maria Elena Durazo,author of SB 951,to discuss California’s groundbreaking expansion⁤ of paid family leave benefits,taking effect January 1^st,2025. Welcome, Senator Durazo.

Senator​ Durazo: Thank ‌you for having me.

Senator Durazo,⁤ you’ve ‌been a staunch ⁢advocate for worker’s rights throughout your career.Why ⁤was expanding ⁣paid family leave benefits a priority for‍ you?

**Senator Durazo:** ‌For too long,​ too many Californians have had to make impossible choices – provide for thier families or take care of themselves or a loved one during a time of need. SB 951 ensures that every California worker can afford‌ to be there for their family during life’s most crucial moments. This is about equity and dignity. Everyone deserves the support they ‍need to navigate challenges without jeopardizing their financial security. [ [1](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/01/02/governor-newsom-announces-landmark-boost-to-paid-family-leave-benefits-for-2025/) ]

**That’s ​a much-needed safety net ‍for families. Can you⁤ highlight some of the key changes under this new law?**

**Senator⁣ Durazo:** Absolutely. Starting January 1st, 2025, eligible workers earning less than $63,000‍ annually‍ will receive up ⁢to 90% of their wages while on leave​ – a significant increase. Higher-income workers‍ will receive up to 70% ⁣of their regular pay. This substantially improves the level of support for millions of Californians.

⁣ **How do you anticipate‌ these changes ‌will impact california’s workforce?**

**Senator ‍Durazo:** These benefits will allow workers to take the time they need⁤ to recover ​from an illness, bond with a ‍new⁣ child, or care for a sick family member without facing devastating financial consequences.When workers feel supported, they are more likely to be productive and engaged. This is a win-win for families, ‍businesses, and the California economy as a ⁢whole. [ [1](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/01/02/governor-newsom-announces-landmark-boost-to-paid-family-leave-benefits-for-2025/) ]

Some critics argue that expanding paid leave will burden businesses.What is your ​response to these concerns?

**Senator Durazo:** ‍I understand these concerns, but I beleive the long-term ​benefits of a healthy and secure workforce outweigh the initial costs. Studies have shown that paid family leave leads‌ to ‌increased worker retention,reduced healthcare costs,and⁣ improved employee morale.Remember, we are investing in the ⁢well-being of our‍ most valuable asset – our people.

​**what would you say to Californians ‍who might still be⁢ unsure about the impact ‍of this new law?**

**Senator Durazo:** I urge everyone ‍to visit the Employment Progress Department’s website [Editors Note: This link can be added hear] ⁣ to learn more about their eligibility ‌and how to apply for these benefits. ‌ Know your​ rights and take advantage of the support‍ that is ⁢now‌ available. This law is‍ a testament to California’s commitment to building a more⁣ just and equitable society for all.

Senator Durazo, thank you for sharing‍ your insights.

**Senator durazo:** Thank ​you for having me.

We⁤ hope this interview ‍has been informative. What are your‌ thoughts on California’s expanded paid⁢ family leave program? Let us know​ in the comments‌ below.

## A Conversation on Expanded Paid Family Leave in California



**Interviewer:** Today, we’re joined by Senator Maria Elena Durazo, author of SB 951, to discuss California’s groundbreaking expansion of paid family leave benefits, taking effect January 1st, 2025. Welcome, Senator Durazo.



**Senator Durazo:** Thank you for having me.



**Interviewer:** Senator Durazo, you’ve been a staunch advocate for worker’s rights throughout your career. Why was expanding paid family leave benefits a priority for you?



**Senator Durazo:** For to long, too many Californians have had to make impractical choices: provide for their families or take care of themselves or a loved one during a time of need. SB 951 ensures that every California worker can afford to be there for their family during life’s moast crucial moments, whether that’s welcoming a new child, caring for an ailing parent, or recovering from a serious illness.



**interviewer:** The new legislation considerably increases benefit amounts. Can you elaborate on those changes?



**Senator Durazo:** Absolutely. Starting January 1, 2025, workers earning less than $63,000 annually will receive up to 90% of their regular pay while on leave. Higher-income workers will receive up to 70% of their regular pay.



**Interviewer:** These changes represent a significant investment in California’s workforce. What impact do you anticipate this expansion will have on families and the state as a whole?



**Senator Durazo:** This expansion will be transformative for millions of Californians. It will ease the financial burden on families during tough times, allowing parents to bond with newborns, care for sick relatives without jeopardizing their income, and focus on recovery without the added stress of financial insecurity.



This will ultimately strengthen our workforce,improve employee morale and productivity,and contribute to a healthier and more equitable society for all californians.



**Interviewer:** How did you work across the political aisle to garner support for this bill? What were some of the key arguments you used to persuade colleagues who might have had reservations?



**Senator Durazo:** Building consensus on this significant issue required highlighting the shared values we all hold dear: the importance of family, the dignity of work, and the need to support those who are vulnerable. We emphasized the economic benefits of paid leave, demonstrating how it reduces employee turnover, improves morale, and boosts worker productivity.



We also underscored the moral imperative, arguing that every Californian deserves the opportunity to care for their loved ones without fear of financial ruin.



**Interviewer:** What message would you like to share with Californians about these expansion of paid family leave benefits?



**Senator durazo:** This is a victory for all Californians – for families, for workers, and for our state as a whole.We’ve taken a bold step towards creating a more just and equitable society,where every Californian has the opportunity to thrive.