Colorado paid family and medical leave
As of January 2024, most Colorado workers were eligible for paid family and medical leave under Colorado's paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. An employer may opt out of the state program by having a state-approved private plan.
FAMLI is available to covered individuals who work in Colorado, including full-time, part-time and seasonal individuals who have earned at least $2,500 in wages, subject to FAMLI premiums over the preceding 5 calendar quarters. There is no requirement to have worked a minimum amount of time for an employer, before an individual can qualify for these benefits.
Please note that federal employees and some railroad workers are not covered under the FAMLI program. Self-employed individuals and independent contractors can voluntarily opt-in.
Key features
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Coverage options |
State plan or state-approved private plan. Principal® offers a fully insured private plan option. |
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Funding |
Premiums are 0.9% of wages to the Social Security cap (through 2025). The funding rate will be set annually by the FAMLI Division Director – by statute, the rate is capped at 1.2%.
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Waiting period |
There is no waiting period. If eligible, an employee may receive benefits beginning the first day of their leave. |
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Benefit |
FAMLI benefits are calculated using the following formula:
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Maximum benefit |
$1,324.21/week in 2025 |
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Benefit duration (within a 52 consecutive week period) |
Combined paid family and medical leave – 12 weeks, plus 4 additional weeks for a serious health condition related to pregnancy complications or childbirth complications |
Get more information from the state of Colorado.
Principal® has a solution
We’re here to help by offering a state-approved voluntary private plan. When you have other group insurance products with us, it’s easy to add this solution. Plus, you get the same top-level service that comes with any of our products.
You can be assured Principal is committed to offering a private plan that meets your obligation under the paid family and medical leave law as a Colorado employer. Our fully insured product is available to employers who offer at least one other qualifying, insured Principal product (group term life*, dental, vision, or long-term disability) and have 10 or more employees working in Colorado.
Get more information about the private plan solution from Principal.
Submitting a claim
To start a PFML claim in Colorado, complete and submit the claim online.
Or, complete and submit the appropriate PFML claim form:
- Bond with a child (PDF)
- Serious health condition (PDF)
- Care for covered service member or qualifying exigency (PDF)
- Family violence - Colorado (PDF)
Want to learn more?
Talk to your financial professional to design a benefit offering that meets the specific needs of your business and employees.