Question 1

What is California SDI and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides partial wage replacement — approximately 60-70% of your wages — for employees who cannot work due to non-work-related illness, injury, pregnancy, or recovery from surgery. Benefits are funded through payroll deductions. SDI is separate from workers' compensation (which covers work-related injuries). Most California employees are automatically covered.

Question 2

What is the difference between CFRA and FMLA?

Accepted Answer

Both CFRA (California Family Rights Act) and FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) provide up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave. Key differences: CFRA covers employers with 5+ employees (FMLA requires 50+); CFRA allows leave to care for a domestic partner (FMLA does not); CFRA and PDL stack for pregnant employees providing up to 7 months of protected leave; and CFRA applies to a broader range of family members.

Question 3

Can I take baby bonding leave in California?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under CFRA, eligible employees at companies with 5+ employees can take up to 12 weeks of job-protected baby bonding leave within the first year of a child's birth, adoption, or foster placement. If the mother also took Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), these periods stack — providing up to 7 months of combined protected leave. Both parents are separately entitled to CFRA bonding leave.

Question 4

Am I guaranteed my job back after taking CFRA or FMLA leave?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you are entitled to return to the same position or a comparable one with equivalent pay, benefits, and other terms. If your employer eliminates your specific position during leave, they must offer a comparable position. If no comparable position is available due to legitimate business reasons unrelated to your leave, the employer may have a defense — but the burden is on them to prove it.

What is California SDI and how does it work?

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