ERISA and Global Benefits

New Law Expands California's Paid Family Leave Benefits to Cover Care for Ill Siblings, Grandparents, Grandchildren, and Parents-In-Law

October 02, 2013

The Global Compensation, Benefits & ERISA Practice Group

Under the California Paid Family Leave (PFL) program, which is funded by mandatory payroll deductions, employees taking time off work to care for seriously ill family members or to bond with foster or adopted children are eligible for up to six weeks of partial wage replacement benefits. Currently, the PFL definition of "family" includes children, spouses or domestic partners, and parents.

Senate Bill 770 expands the definition of "family" to cover employees caring for siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and parents-in-law with serious illnesses, effective July 1, 2014.