How do I apply for Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) in California and what information must I provide?

To apply for Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), you must give your employer reasonable notice of your need for leave and, if requested by your employer, provide a medical certification from your healthcare provider. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process: Step 1: Notify Your Employer You must inform your employer that you need to take leave due to a pregnancy-related disability. If your need for leave is foreseeable, such as for childbirth, you must give at least 30 days' advance notice. If the need is unexpected, you must give notice as soon as it is practical to do so. While you can give notice verbally, it is best to provide it in writing (such as an email) to create a clear record. Step 2: Get a Medical Certification Your employer has the right to request a medical certification to support your need for leave. You should obtain this document from your healthcare provider. The certification is a note or form confirming your medical need for leave. Step 3: Confirm the Certification Contains Required Information The medical certification must state three things: the date your disability began, the estimated duration of your disability, and a statement that you are unable to work or perform one or more of your essential job functions due to the disability. Your employer cannot require you to disclose your specific medical diagnosis. Step 4: Submit the Certification Provide the completed medical certification to your employer, usually your HR department or direct supervisor. Your employer must allow you a reasonable amount of time to get this document after they have requested it. Important Details and Nuances PDL provides up to four months of job-protected leave per pregnancy. This is for the actual period of time you are disabled and unable to work. This leave is separate from any baby bonding leave you may take under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). During your PDL, your employer must maintain your health insurance coverage on the same terms as if you were actively working. Warnings and Limitations While your employer is not required to pay you during PDL, you can use your accrued sick leave and may be eligible for wage replacement through California's State Disability Insurance (SDI) program. An eligible employer (with 5 or more employees) cannot legally deny a timely and medically-certified request for PDL. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, such as a dispute with your employer or questions about your specific rights, consult with a qualified California attorney.