California SDI/PFL Calculator
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate your California SDI / Paid Family Leave benefit — the 70-90% wage replacement in force since 2025, the weekly cap, and durations for disability (52 weeks) vs family leave (8 weeks).
Quick answer: Since 2025, California SDI/PFL pays 90% of wages for lower earners (roughly under 70% of the state average wage) and 70% for higher earners, computed on your highest base-period quarter, up to the annual cap (~$1,681/week — verify current on edd.ca.gov). SDI runs up to 52 weeks; PFL up to 8.
How the Benefit Is Calculated
EDD takes your highest-earning base-period quarter, converts it to a weekly wage (÷13), and replaces 90% of it for lower earners or 70% for higher earners (the 2025 reform replaced the old 60-70% scheme; the tier line sits around one-third/70% of the state average wage — EDD applies it automatically). The weekly cap adjusts each January. Since 2024 there is no taxable wage ceiling on SDI contributions — high earners pay in on all wages, which funded the richer benefits.
Worked Examples
Example 1 — typical earner. HQ $18,000 → weekly wage $1,385 → 70% = $969/week. Eight PFL bonding weeks ≈ $7,754.
Example 2 — lower earner. HQ $7,800 → weekly $600 → 90% = $540/week — the 2025 reform's target beneficiary.
Example 3 — pregnancy sequence. Standard flow: ~4 weeks pre-birth + 6-8 weeks post-birth on SDI (disability), THEN 8 weeks PFL bonding — commonly 18-20 paid weeks stacked, job-protected via FMLA/CFRA where eligible (check both clocks).
SDI vs PFL at a Glance
| SDI (your disability) | PFL (family) | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Your own illness/injury/pregnancy | Bonding (12 months of arrival) or caring for ill family; military events |
| Duration | Up to 52 weeks | 8 weeks per 12 months |
| Waiting period | 7 days (unpaid) | None |
| Certification | Medical provider | Birth/relationship docs or care certification |
| Job protection | Not from SDI/PFL itself — via FMLA/CFRA/PDL where eligible | |
Stacking and Coordination
- Employer top-ups: many CA employers supplement to 100% pay — ask payroll about "integration"; vacation can top up, but employers cannot force you to exhaust PTO before PFL (2-week vacation requirement for PFL was abolished).
- Both parents get 8 PFL weeks each — stagger them to stretch coverage.
- Intermittent use: PFL/SDI pay in daily increments — part-week claims prorate at 1/7 weekly benefit per day.
- Taxes: SDI benefits are not taxable; PFL benefits ARE federally taxable (1099-G) though California doesn't tax them.
Filing Notes
File within 49 days of the first disability day (41 for PFL claims after the event starts); claims run through SDI Online. Self-employed Californians can opt into elective coverage. If your condition outlasts 52 weeks, the handoff is to Social Security disability — a different system entirely. For the employment-protection overlay and leave planning dates, pair this with the maternity leave date calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does California SDI pay?
Since 2025: 90% of wages for lower earners, 70% for higher earners — computed from your best base-period quarter, capped around $1,681/week (annually adjusted).
How long can I collect SDI vs PFL?
SDI up to 52 weeks for your own disability; PFL 8 weeks per 12 months for bonding or family care. Pregnancy typically stacks SDI then PFL for 18-20 paid weeks.
Is there a waiting period?
SDI has a 7-day unpaid waiting period; PFL has none.
Are SDI and PFL benefits taxable?
SDI: no. PFL: federally taxable (you get a 1099-G); California does not tax either.
Does PFL protect my job?
Payment and protection are separate — job protection comes from FMLA/CFRA (and PDL for pregnancy), each with its own eligibility tests.
Can both parents take PFL?
Yes — 8 weeks each, usable within the child's first 12 months, back-to-back or overlapping.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026