New Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program Approves Benefits for Early Workers Needing Temporary Time Off from Work
Colorado workers who have been waiting for a state solution to paid family and medical leave are getting the program they voted for this week. The Department of Labor and Family Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Division Colorado Employment announced today that the state’s first FAMLI claims will begin tomorrow and payments will go to workers next week so they can temporarily take time away from their jobs. Starting tomorrow, Colorado’s Paid Leave FAMLI can be used for life events such as the arrival of a new child, caring for a serious health condition, or caring for a loved one with a serious health problem.
Colorado is the first state to establish a paid leave program through a public vote, rather than through the legislature. FAMLI launched the Colorado application portal (called My FAMLI+ ) in late November so that workers who need permits right at the beginning of 2024 can file their claims early.
- “We are proud to have created a claims application system that makes it as easy as possible for Colorado workers to access this important benefit,” said FAMLI Division Director Tracy Marshall. “Most Coloradans have been paying FAMLI premiums for a year, and we are very pleased to have reached this important milestone of issuing our first round of benefit payments.”
As of December 31, Colorado has filed 5,213 claims. Among them, 3,262 have been approved.
- 68.00 percent of the claims were to establish an emotional bond with a new child.
- 25.03 percent of claims were to treat a serious health condition.
- 6.02 percent of claims were to help a loved one facing a serious health condition.
- 0.74 percent of claims were to address their own health and safety needs following sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or stalking.
- 0.19 percent of claims were for needs arising from a family member’s active military service.
The first round of approved wage replacement benefit payments will be distributed the week of January 8. Applicantscanchoosetoreceivetheirpaymentsdirectlyinto a bank account or on a reloadable debit card. Individuals who have filed a claim in advance will need to log into their My
FAMLI+ account to inform the Division that their leave has officially begun before receiving their first benefit payment. As a reminder, anyone who works for an employer that uses an approved private insurance plan should talk to their employers about applying for benefits under that plan instead of filing a claim through the State’s My FAMLI+ portal.
To help everyone navigate the process and get answers to their questions about applying for FAMLI benefits, the FAMLI Division has hosted two upcoming virtual state forums in English and Spanish:
- In January, on the 10th : English: 11 am – 12 pm Spanish: 3 – 4 pm
- In February, day 1 : English: 11 am – 12 pm Spanish: 3 – 4 pm
Details on registration and the Zoom broadcast are available.
For more information, visit famli.colorado.gov where you will find how-to videos , a user guide , webinars, and FAQs to help you navigate the program.
Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
