In California, dads are now claiming paid leave at the same rate as moms. Last year, men filed 51% of bonding claims in the state — up from 18% when the program began in 2004.
This shift reflects a broader cultural change. Molly Weston Williamson, policy director at Paid Leave for All, notes that gender roles have evolved significantly over the past two decades.
A Growing Trend in Paid Leave Claims
California is one of 14 states plus Washington, D.C., offering paid family leave. In 2025, men surpassed women in leave claims for the first time in states like Colorado and Washington.
The trend coincides with rising concerns about the affordability of raising children.
While private employers can offer paid leave, the data reflects only claims filed through state programs. A spokesperson for California’s Employment Development Department couldn’t pinpoint the exact reasons for the increase in male claims.
Weston Williamson suggests factors like greater awareness and recent benefit changes may play a role. In 2025, California increased the income replacement rate to up to 90% of a worker’s regular salary during leave.
The Impact of Paid Leave on Families
Karlo Campana, a father of three in Southern California, took paid leave after each of his children’s births. He said the time off was key for him and his family during a sleep-deprived period.
“She doesn’t feel like she’s alone on this journey,” he said, referring to his wife. “She feels like she has support.”
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Research shows that paternity leave benefits the entire family. It’s linked to better health outcomes for both parents, lower rates of postpartum depression, and reduced infant mortality.
Despite progress, Weston Williamson cautions that the data doesn’t tell the full story. “Is it that more dads are working and therefore are potentially eligible for these benefits?” she asked. “Is it that women are deciding not to take leave?”
States fund paid leave differently. In California, it’s entirely covered by employee payroll deductions. This model is used in six states total.
As economic pressures mount, paid leave programs offer a critical support system for families. Campana initially felt guilt about taking leave due to traditional gender roles but ultimately prioritized being present for his children.
“No, be present. Be there for your kids,” he said, reflecting on his own upbringing with an often-absent father. “That’s the one thing now.”
“We’re getting one particular vantage point into this data,” she said. “We’d need other kinds of information to better understand the full picture.”
Economic Pressures and Family Decisions
A Pew Research Center survey found that 84% of full-time working parents would find paid leave “extremely or very helpful,” yet only half had access to it.
As of 2025, California’s paid leave program continues to evolve, offering up to eight weeks of paid bonding leave for parents, in addition to six to eight weeks of paid disability leave for mothers.
