California and the federal government require employers to provide their workers with a range of printed statements and information on workplace laws and required procedures. 2018 brings more changes to the pamphlets to be distributed in California workplaces. Some of these are:

• Disability Insurance Pamphlet (DE 2515): Disability Insurance is part of a State Disability Insurance Program (SDI) which partially replaces wages lost due to non- work-related illnesses. In May of 2017, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) issued a revised DE 2515 removing the Riverside office. Employers should distribute this updated version to all new hires as well as to employees going out on disability leave.

• Paid Family Leave Pamphlet (DE 2511): Employees eligible for California’s Paid Family Leave benefits may receive up to six weeks of state-funded partial wage replacement for leaves of absence to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a newborn child. In July of 2017, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) issued a revised version of DE 2511 specifying an increased 60%-70% wage replacement rate of a covered employee’s compensation, effective January 1, 2018. Employers must distribute this new version to all new hires and to covered employees taking such leaves.

• Sexual Harassment Information Pamphlet (DFEH-185): Sexual harassment, singling out individuals due to gender, is a form of unlawful workplace discrimination,. In April, 2017, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) issued a revised DFEH-185. Employer best practice is to distribute this recommended, updated version to all new hires. See also, Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.

• For Your Benefit – Programs for the Unemployed (DE 2320): Among other things, the EDD’s most recent edition of DE 2320 includes a revised list on the information required before filing a claim; a new schedule for any filing consultation (such as customer services support, the unemployment insurance phone services and the interactive voice response); a description of a new type of claim (“interstate claim”); and a new certification for eligibility requirements for continuing to receive benefits. Effective January 1, 2018, employers must distribute this revised DE 2320 to terminated employees and to those going out on a leave of absence.

Employers may download the above pamphlets or purchase them from the California Chamber of Commerce. As these URL links are subject to legislative or regulatory modifications, you should confirm you are using the most recent versions at all times.

As part of our hire-to-fire employment forms package, we also provide a more comprehensive list of California and federal forms, pamphlets and notices that HR should distribute to new hires.

For further information, please contact Tim Bowles, Cindy Bamforth or Helena Kobrin.

Cindy Bamforth
December 1, 2017