PDL
PDL is California law providing up to 4 months of job-protected leave for employees disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
us-specific
Category
advanced
Difficulty
5 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
PDL is California law providing up to 4 months of job-protected leave for employees disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Detailed explanation
California Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) provides employees disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions with up to 4 months (17.3 weeks) of job-protected leave.
PDL applies to all employers with 5 or more employees, regardless of how long the employee has worked there. Unlike CFRA/FMLA, there are no tenure or hours-worked requirements.
PDL runs separately from CFRA bonding leave, so pregnant employees may be entitled to PDL followed by additional CFRA leave for bonding, potentially totaling over 7 months of protected leave.
Practical guidance
How it works
Employee provides medical certification of pregnancy disability. Employer provides up to 4 months leave. Employee may then be eligible for CFRA bonding leave.
Best practices
Coordinate PDL, CFRA, FMLA, and SDI
Track separately from CFRA
Provide required notices
Accommodate before and after leave
Return to same or comparable position
Legal context
Legal basis
California Government Code §12945; Fair Employment and Housing Act
Jurisdiction: California
Key provisions
Employers with 5+ employees covered
Up to 4 months (17.3 weeks) protected leave
No tenure or hours requirements
Covers pregnancy-related disability
Separate from CFRA bonding leave
Reasonable accommodation required
Official source
Frequently asked questions
Is PDL separate from CFRA?
Yes. PDL covers disability due to pregnancy (up to 4 months). CFRA covers bonding with new child (12 weeks). A pregnant employee could take PDL for recovery, then CFRA for bonding, for extended leave.
Is PDL paid?
PDL itself is unpaid, but California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides partial wage replacement. Employees may also use accrued paid leave.
Related glossary terms
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.
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.
Maternity Leave
Maternity leave is time off work for pregnant employees before and after childbirth, with statutory protections and pay entitlements.