Encino Employee Benefits Lawyers

One important aspect of employment that many people look for is the benefits package. Jobs can be more desirable when they come with employer-sponsored benefits, such as health coverage or retirement plans. As an employer, it is important to adhere to the requirements for employee benefits set out in California law. If you have any questions about employee benefits, consult with an Encino employment attorney as soon as possible.

Required Benefits in California

State and federal laws do require employers to provide certain benefits to employees, including the following:

Social Security

The law requires employers to tax wages up to a certain amount, and this includes Social Security taxes so that people have benefits for their retirement. The law also requires employers to pay into Social Security for their employees at the same rate.

Workers’ compensation

Each state has different laws regarding workers’ compensation coverage by employers, and California requires all employers - even with only one employee - to carry this insurance coverage. When employees are injured on the job, this coverage provides benefits for medical care and lost income.

Unemployment

Employers also have to pay taxes into the state unemployment insurance fund. This fund then provides benefits to employees who lose their jobs and meet the qualifications.

Family and Medical Leave

Both the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) require certain employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave from work for certain reasons, such as childbirth, bonding with a new child, another health condition, or caring for a family member with a health condition. While the FMLA only applies to employers with 50 or more employees, California recently expanded the CFRA to apply to employers with just five or more employees. California also requires employers to provide pregnancy disability leave to qualified employees.

Paid Sick Leave

Most states don’t require companies to provide paid sick time, but California employers must provide one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours an employee works. This goes for temporary and part-time employees, as well.

Optional Employee Benefits

There are many additional benefits your company can choose to provide to employees though not required by law. These can include:

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Disability insurance coverage
  • Life insurance or accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
  • Stock options
  • Retirement savings plans, such as 401(k)s
  • Pension plans
  • Paid holidays and vacation time

Companies can choose to provide some or all of these to employees as benefits. However, if an employer offers benefits, they must do so in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. In addition, employers must abide by the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) when it comes to certain benefit packages.

Seek Assistance from Encino Employment Benefits Attorneys

At Kaufman McAndrew LLP, we help employers throughout the Encino area develop benefits packages that work for their employees and organizations. Call 818-788-5767 or contact us onlineto discuss options for benefits, as well as compliance issues for required benefits programs.