I am having a baby
Leave, pay and changes at work.
4 steps
Step 1 of 4: Know your leave and pay
Most people who give birth can take leave and keep their job.
- Pregnancy Leave and PayYou can have a baby and keep your job. In California, most people who give birth can take time off to recover with part of their pay, and come back to the same job or one like it. Your immigration status does not change that. Here is what you can get, how long it lasts, and the order to apply in, including what to know if your baby needs the NICU.Guide
- My leave plan worksheetPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 2 of 4: Ask for changes at work
Before and after the baby.
- Pregnancy and Pumping at WorkYou can keep working through your pregnancy and after your baby comes, with changes that keep you and your baby healthy. In California, your employer has to consider requests like lighter duty, more breaks, a stool, or a private place to pump. Here is what you can ask for, how to ask, sample letters you can use, and what to do if the answer is no.Guide
- Sample request for a change at workPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 3 of 4: Time to bond
Bonding leave is for every parent.
- Bonding Leave for Every ParentA new baby, an adoption or a foster placement is a big moment for every parent, not only the one who gave birth. In California, dads, partners, same sex parents, adoptive and foster parents can get paid time to bond, and many can keep their job while they are out. Your immigration status does not change that. Here is who qualifies, how much it pays, and how to apply.Guide
- SDI and PFL Without PapersYou paid into this. If State Disability Insurance came out of your pay, you can ask for partial pay while you are sick, injured, pregnant or caring for family, even without a Social Security number. You apply on paper, with a short letter and proof of your wages. Here's how to do it right.Guide
- Bonding leave planPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 4 of 4: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
- California EDDOfficial unemployment information, job services, and guidance for navigating an existing claim.Organization
- Legal Aid at WorkFree legal information and advice for low-income California workers about pay, discrimination, leave and retaliation, with help in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and other languages. Call 415-864-8848 or start online.Organization
This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.
Not quite your situation?
All situations- My employer did not pay me what I am owedCheck what you are owed, gather proof and file a claim.5 steps
- I lost my jobYour last check, income help and health coverage.5 steps
- I got hurt or sick and cannot workWorkers' comp, disability pay and keeping your job.4 steps
- My boss harasses, threatens or discriminates against meName what is happening, keep notes and file a complaint.4 steps