LeaveCalc / California / SDI & PFL weekly benefit calculator

California Paid Leave calculator

Enter your gross wage and instantly estimate your 2026 California State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) weekly benefit, your effective wage-replacement rate, and whether you hit the state maximum.

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Quick answer: California's 2026 Paid Family Leave pays 70-90% of your weekly wage, capped at $1,765/week, for up to 8 weeks. Enter your numbers below for your exact estimate.

1 Your wage

Based on the EDD formula for the 2026 benefit year, using the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW). Your actual benefit is set by the Employment Development Department using your highest-earning quarter, not a single wage figure.

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Not legal or benefits advice. This is an unofficial estimate for planning purposes only. The Employment Development Department's own calculator and your approved claim are authoritative — see edd.ca.gov.

How we calculated this

Every figure below is California's official 2026 benefit-year number. Data verified July 2026.

  • Weekly benefit formula. If your average weekly wage (AWW) is below 70% of the state average weekly wage (<$1,252.30), your benefit is 90% of your AWW. At or above that threshold, your benefit is a flat 70% of your AWW. Both SDI and PFL use this same formula. Source: edd.ca.gov — PFL FAQs.
  • 2026 state average weekly wage (SAWW): $1,789. Set annually by the Employment Development Department; the 70% threshold is $1,252.30. Source: edd.ca.gov.
  • 2026 maximum weekly benefit: $1,765. Applies to both SDI and PFL claims filed in 2026, no matter how high your AWW is. Source: edd.ca.gov — PFL FAQs.
  • 2026 minimum weekly benefit: $50. The floor for an approved PFL claim. Source: edd.ca.gov — PFL FAQs.
  • Paid Family Leave (PFL) duration. Up to 8 weeks in a 12-month period, for bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. Source: edd.ca.gov — PFL FAQs.
  • Disability Insurance (SDI) duration. Up to 52 weeks, depending on your medical certification, for your own non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Source: edd.ca.gov.
  • Waiting period. SDI claims for your own disability carry a standard non-payable 7-day waiting period. PFL claims (bonding, family care) have no waiting period. Source: edd.ca.gov.
  • Eligibility. You generally need at least $300 in wages subject to SDI deductions during your base period, plus a qualifying medical certification or family reason. Source: edd.ca.gov.
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How the CA SDI/PFL weekly benefit is calculated

California's State Disability Insurance (SDI) program pays benefits for a worker's own non-work-related illness or injury, and Paid Family Leave (PFL) pays benefits for bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. Both use the same wage-replacement formula. For 2026, the state's average weekly wage (SAWW) is $1,789. If you're searching for an EDD SDI calculator to see how much you'll get, this is it — the same formula EDD uses, wired into an instant estimate.

The formula. If your average weekly wage (AWW) is below 70% of the SAWW ($1,252.30), your weekly benefit is 90% of your AWW. If your AWW is at or above that threshold, your benefit is 70% of your AWW. Either way, the benefit is capped at $1,765/week for 2026.

How long does the benefit last?

PFL claims run up to 8 weeks per year. SDI (your own disability) can run up to 52 weeks, depending on your medical certification. Both are administered by EDD and require a claim to be filed and approved.

Source: California EDD, 2026.

California SDI & PFL FAQ (2026)

How much does EDD pay for paid family leave in 2026?

If your average weekly wage is below 70% of the state average ($1,252.30), EDD pays 90% of your wage. At or above that threshold, EDD pays a flat 70% of your wage. Either way, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,765 in 2026.

Who is eligible for CA SDI/PFL?

Generally, you need to have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI deductions during your base period, and have a qualifying medical certification or family reason. See edd.ca.gov for full eligibility rules.

Is the CA SDI/PFL benefit taxable?

SDI benefits are generally not taxable for federal or state purposes unless paid as a substitute for unemployment insurance. PFL benefits are taxable for federal purposes but not for California state tax. Confirm with a tax professional for your situation.

Why is my real benefit different from this estimate?

EDD calculates your AWW from your actual highest-earning quarter in a 12-month base period, not from a single current wage. Bonuses, multiple employers, and part-year work can all change the result.