Colorado FAMLI Benefits Now Extended to Families with Newborns In Intensive Care
Through the Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, eligible Colorado workers who have newborns in intensive…
Through the Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, eligible Colorado workers who have newborns in intensive care can now benefit from up to 12 weeks of paid time off while their newborn receives intensive care. Colorado is the first state to offer this support to families. The FAMLI program now provides parents with up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid leave during the hospital stay. In addition, parents may also receive an additional 12 weeks of Bonding Leave once their baby comes home. Parents can apply at myfamliplus.state.co.us starting now.
Continue reading to learn more about FAMLI and resources for Denver families with young children. And download these flyers:
What is Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI)
Approved by Colorado voters in 2020, FAMLI benefits first became available to Colorado workers on January 1, 2024. The benefits aim to help Colorado employees care for their families and navigate major life circumstances. Both employers and employees pay into the benefit fund. Eligible workers can receive up to 90% of their average weekly earnings per week. You can calculate your estimated benefits here.
Under FAMLI, eligible Colorado workers can receive up to 12 weeks of coverage in a 12-month period to:
- Care for and bond with new children, including children who are fostered or adopted
- Deal with a serious personal health condition
- Support and care for a family member with a serious health condition
- Provide support and coordination for a family member’s military deployment
- Deal with the immediate impact and safety needs resulting from sexual assault and/or domestic violence
People who experience pregnancy or childbirth complications may receive an additional four weeks of FAMLI benefits for a total of 16 weeks per year. The time does not have to be used consecutively. The total coverage period begins the first day benefits are used.
Under FAMLI, Colorado workers are protected from losing their job and health coverage but must continue to pay their portion of health coverage premiums.
To be eligible for FAMLI benefits, you must earn $2,500 in total wages in the state of Colorado during the last 5 completed calendar quarters (equivalent to 1.25 years). Learn more about FAMLI benefits and how to apply at famli.colorado.gov.
What additional resources are available to Denver families with young children?
Denver Preschool Program works closely with partners throughout the city to provide Denver families with food and housing assistance, preschool tuition support, and more. Here are a few links to get you started:
