New program eases the hardship of small businesses when an employee takes time away
Small businesses rely upon their workers who often have family obligations or emergencies that require time away. As a result, some small businesses face the economic hardship of finding and training a temporary replacement, while the worker fulfills a family need.
Beginning June 1, 2024 California-based small businesses can now apply for grants of up to $2,000 per employee through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program.
This program offers eligible employees up to eight weeks of wage replacement benefits for qualifying reasons, including bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. Now the small business owner receives support as well.
The California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency fund this initiative. The goal is to ensure businesses continue to operate smoothly while their employees take time away.
Small businesses with 1 to 100 employees with at least one employee utilizing PFL on or after June 1, 2024, may apply for these grants. The company must be registered in California, have an active status with the California Secretary of State’s Office, and have an active California Employer Account Number under which employees are listed for payroll.
The official California grant website for the program providing more information and to apply is Californiapfl.com. The Federal The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that guarantees job-protected, unpaid time off to eligible workers for qualifying reasons.
Individual states may also construct their own programs as California did.
