California: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 10 topic we track for California on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how California compares.

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Workers' comp deadlines · Workers' comp benefits · Paid leave programs · Final paycheck rules · Minimum wage · Unemployment benefits · Meal break laws · Tipped minimum wage · Payday frequency · Rest break laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Workers' comp deadlines

Tell your employer	30 days
File a claim	1 year from injury or last benefit provided

Workers' comp benefits Single detailed source

Waiting period	3 days
Waiting days paid back	After more than 14 days (or if you are hospitalized)
Max weekly benefit (2026)	–

Paid leave programs

State program	Paid Family Leave and State Disability Insurance (SDI)
Status	Paying benefits

Final paycheck rules Single detailed source

If you are fired	Same day
If you quit	Within 72 hours (immediately with 72 hours' notice)

Minimum wage Checked on official source

State minimum wage	$16.90
Next change	$17.40 on Jan. 1, 2027

Unemployment benefits Single detailed source

Maximum weekly benefit	$450
How long it lasts	14 to 26 weeks

Meal break laws Checked on official source

Meal break required	30 minutes after more than 5 hours; a second 30 minutes after 10 hours

Tipped minimum wage Checked on official source

Minimum cash wage	$16.90
Most tips can count	None: full minimum before tips

Payday frequency Checked on official source

Required frequency	At least twice a month for most workers

Rest break laws Checked on official source

Paid rest break	Paid 10 minutes per 4 hours worked