By Andi Mazingo, Esq.
As we begin 2025, stories of employees facing mental health challenges, and tragically, some losing their lives to suicide, weigh heavily on my mind. These situations often stem from overwhelming work pressures, financial stress, or sometimes, signals from your mind and body indicating the need for significant change—something that may only be realized by taking the necessary time and space to reflect and heal.
If you’re struggling with your mental health or experiencing thoughts of death, I want to remind you: Your health comes first. Taking medical leave is not a sign of weakness—it’s a necessary and courageous step toward healing. No job, deadline, or financial worry is more important than your well-being.
Fortunately, California offers strong protections and resources to help you take the time you need to recover.
Stronger Support for Employees in 2025
Starting January 1, 2025, California has enhanced its Paid Family Leave (PFL) and State Disability Insurance (SDI) programs:
Workers earning less than $63,000 annually can now receive up to 90% of their wages during leave.
Higher-income workers can receive up to 70% wage replacement.
Both PFL and SDI benefits are funded through employee payroll contributions, making this an employee-funded safety net designed to provide reliable financial support when it’s needed most.
These changes build on existing protections under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), which allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave annually for serious health conditions, including mental health challenges. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for mental health conditions, which can include granting temporary leave. You don’t need to disclose specific details about your condition to your employer--a simple certification from your healthcare provider is typically sufficient to validate your leave.
PFL provides partial wage replacement for up to 8 weeks, allowing family members of those with serious health conditions, including mental health challenges, to take time off for their care. As of January 1, 2025, AB 2123 removes any previous requirement for employees to use accrued vacation time before accessing PFL benefits.
With these measures in place, employees can take the time they need to heal, without fear of losing their jobs, financial stability, or vacation time.
Additional Leave Options in California
For those balancing mental health challenges with other life demands, California also offers unique leave types:
Crime Victims’ Leave:
If you’re a victim of a crime, you’re entitled to time off to attend court proceedings or seek support services without fear of losing your job.
Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL):
Provides up to four months of leave for conditions related to pregnancy, including miscarriage.
Child School Activities Leave:
Parents and guardians can take up to 40 hours annually to participate in their child’s school-related activities.
We’re Here to Help
Taking medical leave can feel daunting, especially if you’re worried about how your employer might react or have questions about your eligibility. At Lumen Law Center, we offer free legal consultations to help you navigate these concerns.
Our team can provide guidance on:
Determining your eligibility for leave.
Addressing logistical questions about how to take protected leave.
Ensuring protection against employer retaliation and understanding your rights and available remedies if your employer retaliates anyway.
Your health comes first, and we’re here to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
As we move forward into 2025, let’s commit to making mental health a priority. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Help is always available.
This year, let’s remind ourselves and each other: There is nothing more important than your health.
"When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." -Eleanor Brownn
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