Estimated Weekly PFL Benefit — Physical Therapist · 2026
$1,279/week
Based on $95,000/year · 8-week total: $10,231
How PFL Is Calculated for Physical Therapists
California Physical Therapists who pay into SDI qualify for PFL. Here is the full EDD calculation for a Physical Therapist earning $95,000/year:
1
Highest Quarter Earnings$95,000 ÷ 4 = $23,750 · PT salaries are generally stable. Highest quarter ≈ annual ÷ 4.
2
Average Weekly Wage (AWW)$23,750 ÷ 13 weeks = $1,827/week
3
Apply Rate: 70%$1,827 × 70% = $1,279/week
4
Multiply by Weeks Taken$1,279 × 8 weeks = $10,231 total
Benefit by Number of Weeks
| Leave Duration | Weekly Benefit | Total Benefit |
|---|
| 1 week | $1,279/wk | $1,279 |
| 2 weeks | $1,279/wk | $2,558 |
| 4 weeks | $1,279/wk | $5,115 |
| 6 weeks | $1,279/wk | $7,673 |
| 8 weeks | $1,279/wk | $10,231 |
⚠️File within 41 days of your first leave dayFile at edd.ca.gov. Missing this deadline forfeits all benefits permanently.
ℹ️Job protection for Physical TherapistsPFL pays your income. For job protection, most Physical Therapists at employers with 5+ workers qualify for CFRA leave, which runs concurrently with PFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much PFL does a Physical Therapist get in California 2026? +
A Physical Therapist earning $95,000/year receives an estimated $1,279/week in PFL benefits. Over the maximum 8-week period, that totals $10,231. Actual benefits depend on your specific wages reported to EDD.
Does a Physical Therapist's overtime count toward PFL? +
Yes — if overtime was on your W-2 and deducted for SDI, it counts toward your EDD wage base. This can boost your highest quarter and increase your weekly PFL benefit.
Can I take PFL intermittently as a Physical Therapist? +
Yes. PFL can be taken in separate blocks — for example, reduced hours or alternating weeks — subject to EDD approval and your employer's intermittent leave policy. Total cannot exceed 8 weeks per 12-month period.
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