CFRA
CFRA is California law providing eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for family care, bonding, and qualifying military exigencies.
us-specific
Category
advanced
Difficulty
6 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
CFRA is California law providing eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for family care, bonding, and qualifying military exigencies.
Detailed explanation
The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period. CFRA applies to employers with 5 or more employees (lowered from 50 in 2021).
CFRA covers bonding with a new child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or qualifying military exigencies. Unlike FMLA, CFRA does not cover the employees own serious health condition (thats covered by California PDL for pregnancy-related conditions).
CFRA runs concurrently with FMLA when both apply, but provides broader family member definitions including domestic partners, grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings.
Practical guidance
How it works
Eligible employees request CFRA for qualifying reasons. Employer must provide same job or equivalent upon return. Runs concurrently with FMLA when both apply.
Best practices
Coordinate CFRA, FMLA, and PDL tracking
Train on California-specific requirements
Update policies for 5-employee threshold
Explain paid family leave benefit options
Legal context
Legal basis
California Government Code §12945.2
Jurisdiction: California
Key provisions
Employers with 5+ employees covered (since 2021)
12 weeks unpaid leave per 12 months
Employee must work 12 months and 1,250 hours
Broader family member definition than FMLA
Job protection and benefits continuation
Cannot be used for own health condition
Official source
Frequently asked questions
How is CFRA different from FMLA?
CFRA applies to employers with 5+ employees (FMLA: 50+). CFRA covers more family members including domestic partners, grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings. CFRA cannot be used for own serious health condition.
Can CFRA leave be paid?
CFRA itself is unpaid, but California Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides partial wage replacement for bonding and family care. Employees can also use accrued paid leave.
Related glossary terms
FMLA
FMLA is a US federal law providing eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specified family and medical reasons.
PDL
PDL is California law providing up to 4 months of job-protected leave for employees disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.