Family & Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI)
In Nov. 2020, Colorado voters approved Proposition 118, creating a State-run Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, this new benefit will provide paid time off to Colorado workers for certain life events, such as caring for a loved one with a serious health condition or growing a family. Please see the FAMLI website for more information. In addition to the paid benefit, FAMLI will also provide job protection for eligible employees.
The Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE) is responsible for administering the FAMLI program. For more information on FAMLI, employees can find numerous resources on the CDLE website, including the FAMLI Toolkit.
The FAMLI program premium payments began on Jan. 1, 2023, and since that time, the State covered the full premium for State employees for the first half of this calendar year. With the passage of Senate Bill 23-234 on April 12, employees must now pay their share of the FAMLI premium at 0.45% as a payroll deduction beginning July 1, 2023. The full premium is 0.90% of wages, split evenly between the State and you, its employees.
As a reminder, beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the FAMLI definition for “wages” has been updated to mean “gross wages”. The premium rate will remain 0.9%, shared equally at 0.45% by you and the State. However, based upon the change in definition, you will see an increase to the dollar amount deducted. You may view your gross wages on your pay stub.
For State Employees
State of Colorado employees and all Coloradans can now apply for paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) benefits using the My FAMLI+ portal. FAMLI provides partial salary replacement and leave benefits when employees need to step away from work to bond with a new child, or take care of themselves or their loved ones. Employees who have been with the State for more than six (6) months may also be eligible for job protection when on FAMLI leave. Benefits will go live in January 2024, but applications can be submitted up to 30 days in advance if the need for leave is foreseeable.
While the FAMLI program is administered through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the State has put together an updated employee toolkit. Inside, employees will find resources from FAMLI Division such as how-to videos for applying and FAQs from the Division of Human Resources. If you have a need for FAMLI leave or questions about how the program coordinates with your existing leave benefits, please contact your agency Human Resources office.
FAQs
What is FAMLI?
In Nov. 2020, Colorado voters approved Proposition 118 to establish a State-run Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program.
With FAMLI, all Colorado workers can access up to 12 weeks of paid leave to take care of themselves or their families during life circumstances that pull them away from work. Those experiencing pregnancy or childbirth complications will receive an additional four weeks.
Who’s eligible for FAMLI?
Employees who have earned $2,500 over the previous year (for work performed in Colorado) will be eligible to receive the paid benefit. Additionally, employees who have been employed with the State for at least 180 days before the start of their leave are eligible for job protection.
Employees can apply for up to 12 weeks of FAMLI paid leave when they, or a family member, experience a qualifying health issue starting in Jan. 2024.
Covered Circumstances Include:
- Caring for a new child, including adopted and fostered children
- Caring for yourself, if you have a serious health condition
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
- Making arrangements for a family member’s military deployment
- Addressing the immediate safety needs and impact of domestic violence and/or sexual assault
What does this mean for State employees?
State employees will see FAMLI deductions on their paychecks starting July 2023. Starting Jan. 2024, State employees can apply for up to 12 weeks of FAMLI paid leave when they, or a family member, experience a qualifying health issue.
Questions
The Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE) is responsible for administering the FAMLI program. For general FAMLI questions, email CDLE_FAMLI_info@state.co.us.