The Connecticut Family & Medical Leave Insurance Act (CT FMLI) was enacted in June 2019 which gives the state authority to build a paid family and medical leave insurance program. On January 1, 2021, employee payroll contributions are set to begin and then on January 1, 2022, benefits will be payable. CT FMLI will provide wage replacement benefits to eligible workers in the state of Connecticut who need time off from work for their own serious health condition, or medical leave (ML), and for Paid Family Leave (PFL). Workers may be eligible for ML if they are unable to work due to a non-work-related injury or illness, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Workers may be eligible for PFL to care for a seriously ill family member, to bond with a new child, serve as an organ or bone marrow donor, address a qualifying military exigency, or to address matters related to being a victim of family violence.
Coverage Options: Employers can participate in the state-run program or opt out for a fully insured or self-insured private plan. The state is currently defining the regulations of the newly enacted law. MetLife intends to provide its coverage solution after the state publishes their regulations.
Job Protection: The CT FMLI coverage is job protected. When applicable, a worker should request leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) concurrently.
Benefits: Starting January 1, 2022, 12 weeks (extra 2 weeks for complications of pregnancy). The maximum weekly benefit is estimated to be up to $900/week in 2022.
Contributions: Starting January 1, 2021, there will be an employee contribution (payroll deduction) of 0.5% up to the social security wage index.
Key Dates:
- January 1, 2021: Employee contribution (payroll deduction) assessment begins
- January 1, 2022: Benefits start
As of March 1, 2020
