california maternity leave small business
Maternity Leave in California?
Hello I am first time mother and I don’t know in which program to apply. I have heard about some programs like:
State Disability Insurance (SDI),
California Paid Family Leave (CPFL),
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) &
California Family Rights (CFR)
What is the difference between each program?
I would like to know which program I can apply for during maternity and when is a good time to apply. I am 30 weeks pregnant and I don’t want to be in a rush at the last minute. I worked in a small business and my employer is not going to pay me for maternity leave.
Any help and advice would be appreciated.
If you work for a small company under 50 people you do not fall under FMLA. You can apply for SDI at 36 weeks pregnant and it will last until 6-8 weeks after you deliver the baby depanding if you had a vaginal delivery or a c-section. After SDI runs out you can apply for CPFL. They will send you paper work when SDi runs out. The state of California guarentees you job for 16 weeks for maternaty. After that they can let you go. You do not have to take CPFL after SDI runs out, you can hold off and take it within the year of baby being born.
SDI is the state disabilty you need your doctor to fill out the paperwork then send it in.
CPFL is your baby bonding time you only get up to six weeks total during the first year to bond with baby.
FMLA is a federal program to employees who work for a company with 50 or more people. It gives you up to 12 weeks of job security. You only qualify if you have been with the company for over a year.
CFR is the california version of FMLA only it gives up to 16 weeks.
If you want more time with baby at once your best bet is to do SDI then CPFL.
SDI and CPFL will help supplent your income. SDI you dont pay taxes but CPFL you do.
Good luck and congrats. If you need any other help I became very proficiant in this. ( I ahd to battle with my employer so I called the labor department.)
Email me if you need anyother help with this.
lori.greenfield@yahoo.com
BuGRADS.. 2009.11.13 part.4