One-line summary: California Paid Family Leave (PFL) and State Disability Insurance (SDI) — partial wage-replacement programs administered by the California Employment Development Department (EDD). PFL provides paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill family member, or address a qualifying military exigency. SDI provides partial wage replacement when you can't work due to your own non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.

California Paid Family Leave (PFL) + State Disability Insurance (SDI)

As an employer in California, Launch complies with all state-mandated benefits to support the health and financial security of our California-based employees. The California Employment Development Department (EDD) administers both Paid Family Leave (PFL) and State Disability Insurance (SDI). Both are funded entirely through employee payroll deductions (no employer share); no Launch action is needed for you to file a claim — you file directly with EDD.

State Disability Insurance (SDI)

SDI provides partial wage replacement when you cannot work due to:

• Your own non-work-related illness or injury;
• Pregnancy or childbirth recovery; or
• A qualifying medical condition.

How to apply

File your claim directly with EDD at edd.ca.gov/disability (opens in a new tab). EDD typically requires medical certification.

Pay

SDI replaces a percentage of your regular wages, up to a state-set maximum. The exact rate and cap are updated annually — check edd.ca.gov for current figures.

Job protection

SDI itself does not provide job protection. Job protection comes from CFRA, PDL, FMLA (where applicable), or another applicable leave law. Coordinate with HR (hr@launchindustries.biz) so the protected-leave designations align with your SDI claim.

Paid Family Leave (PFL)

PFL provides up to 8 weeks of partial wage replacement in a 12-month period for:

• Bonding with a new child (within 12 months of birth, adoption, or foster placement).
• Caring for a seriously ill family member (child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or registered domestic partner).
• Qualifying military exigency related to a covered family member's active duty.

How to apply

File your claim directly with EDD at edd.ca.gov/pfl (opens in a new tab).

Pay

PFL replaces a percentage of your regular wages, up to a state-set maximum. The exact rate and cap are updated annually — check edd.ca.gov for current figures.

Job protection

PFL itself does not provide job protection. Job protection comes from CFRA (if you are CFRA-eligible) or another applicable leave law. PFL benefits and CFRA leave often run concurrently.

Coordination with Launch leave / PTO

You may use accrued paid sick leave or PTO to supplement SDI / PFL benefits up to 100% of your average weekly wage. Coordinate with HR.

If you notice any outdated information or typos, or need clarification on any policies, please email hr@launchindustries.biz.