After vetoing a similar bill last year, on September 30, 2022, California Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 951, which increases wage replacement rates for lower wage earners under the state Paid Family Leave program (PFL) and State Disability Insurance (SDI) programs.

Starting in 2025, workers who earn 70 percent or less than the state’s average wage would be eligible for 90 percent of their regular wages under the PFL and SDI programs. Currently, low-wage earners may be eligible for 70 percent of their regular wages under the programs.

Though PFL and SDI are state benefits, employees can apply for the benefits while on unpaid leaves, such as under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). As such, this increase in the state benefits formula may make unpaid leaves for lower wage earners more palatable as it will mean a less significant loss of income.

Earlier this year, California also started a grant program to assist small businesses with the costs associated with employees on leave under the Paid Family Leave program, e.g., expenses incurred in training existing staff or hiring temporary employees during employee leaves.

If you have questions about SB 951, Paid Family Leave, or related issues, contact a Jackson Lewis attorney to discuss.

Photo of Susan E. Groff Susan E. Groff

Susan E. Groff is a Principal in the Los Angeles, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She advises and counsels management on various employment related issues and is Co-Leader of the California Advice and Counsel Resource Group.

Ms. Groff advises employers on complying…

Susan E. Groff is a Principal in the Los Angeles, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She advises and counsels management on various employment related issues and is Co-Leader of the California Advice and Counsel Resource Group.

Ms. Groff advises employers on complying with federal and California requirements for disability accommodation and protected leaves of absence.

She also counsels employers on a host of other employment issues, including wage and hour laws, harassment and discrimination complaints, workplace investigations, reductions in force, and discipline and termination questions. Ms. Groff further conducts training and seminars on employment related issues, including sexual harassment prevention training.

Furthermore, Ms. Groff has extensive experience exclusively representing employers in labor and employment disputes. She has defended employers in employment litigation, including actions involving sexual harassment, discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, religion, and disability, wrongful termination, and wage and hour matters, including class actions. Ms. Groff has litigated matters from inception through the appellate stage before California state and federal courts and represents employers in proceedings before state and federal administrative agencies and tribunals.