Employee Leaves

This page is here to help you understand the California and federal leave benefits and workplace protections available to you. Whether you're navigating a medical condition, caring for a family member, bonding with a new child, or experiencing pregnancy-related needs, this information is intended to help you better understand your options.

Job-Protected Leave & Accommodation Laws

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for job-protected leave, paid or unpaid time off, and/or reasonable workplace accommodations under the following programs:

Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Family Care & Medical Leave & Pregnancy Disability Leave

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)

Pregnancy Disability Leave

Disability Under the Fair Employment & Housing Act

Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL): Provides up to four months of job-protected leave for employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. PDL also includes the right to reasonable accommodations and transfer to a less strenuous position, when medically advisable.

Lactation Accommodation: In accordance with state and federal law, the City supports the legal right and necessity of employees who choose to breastfeed to express breast milk in the workplace. The City will provide a reasonable amount of break time to accommodate an employee's need to express breast milk and will provide a private location, other than a bathroom, for this purpose.

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA): Requires reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; accommodations may be unpaid; employees may use accrued paid leave if available.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Federal law that provides disability protections and accommodation requirements.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law that provides disability protections and accommodation requirements.

California Family Rights Act (CFRA): Provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons, including baby bonding after pregnancy disability leave ends.

Reproductive Loss Leave: Provides up to five days of unpaid leave following a reproductive loss event (e.g., miscarriage, stillbirth, failed adoption, or unsuccessful assisted reproduction); employees may use accrued paid leave if available.

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): California law requiring reasonable accommodations and an interactive process for employees with disabilities or medical conditions, including pregnancy-related conditions. 

Pay & Wage Replacement While on Leave

While these leaves are unpaid, you may be eligible to receive partial wage replacement or supplemental pay during your time off, in addition to using your own leave accruals, depending on your circumstances.

Disability Insurance

Paid Family Leave

Santa Monica Paid Parental Leave (SMPPL)

Please review your MOU or refer to the FAQ below for more information about pay coordination, eligibility, and how benefits may apply.

Employee Leave of Absences & Benefits FAQ

SDI (State Disability Insurance): Partial wage replacement if you are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy (up to 52 weeks).

PFL (Paid Family Leave): Partial wage replacement when caring for a seriously ill family member or bonding with a new child (up to 8 weeks).

Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD): For a longer leave of absence, you may be eligible for LTD. Eligibility of LTD benefits requires a 60-day waiting period before coverage begins.

Santa Monical Paid Parental Leave (SMPPL): Provides up to six weeks of fully paid parental leave to qualified full-time or part-time employees following the birth of an employee's child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care.


Eligibility requirements and how these programs work together can vary based on individual circumstances. For help understanding your options or starting a leave request, please contact HR or visit the Employee and Family Leave page.

AI Interactive Process III 4 3 10 19 11

2026 Self and Family Care Leave of Absence Request Form

Religious Accommodation Request Form

Next Steps:

If you think you may need a leave or workplace accommodation:


Eligibility requirements and how these programs work together can vary based on individual circumstances. For help understanding your options or starting a leave request, please contact HR below.

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