Connecticut 

Connecticut’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program became effective January 1, 2022.  

Eligibility:

Employers

Any employer with one or more employees working in the state of Connecticut.

Employer does not include government entities, the federal government, or private schools.

Employees

Employees are eligible for PFML if they have earned at least $2,325 during the highest earning quarter of the base period. The base period is the first 4 or the last 5 most recent calendar quarters. Employees must also be currently employed, or had been employed by an employer for at least 12 weeks prior to the start of a claim.

Self-employed individuals can opt into the program.

Benefits overview

Qualifying Reasons

Medical leave

  • Employee’s own serious health condition
  • Organ or bone marrow donation

Family leave

  • Bond with a new child after birth, adoption, or foster care placement
  • Care for a family member with a serious health condition
  • Military exigency related to a family member’s active military duty or call to duty

Safe leave

  • Needs related to domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault

Duration of Leave

12 weeks for all leave reasons except safe leave

12 days for safe leave

2 additional weeks are available for pregnancy complications

A combined maximum of 12 or 14 weeks in a benefit year

Benefit Calculation

95% wage replacement for any wages up to 40x the state minimum wage

95% wage replacement for any wages up to 40x the state minimum wage + 60% wage replacement for any wages over 40x the state minimum wage

Maximum benefit is $981

Waiting Period

There is no waiting period under Connecticut PFML so all benefits start the first day of disability

Leave Frequency

Leave can be taken continuously, intermittently, or on a reduced schedule 

Job Protection

Leave under Connecticut PFML is not job protected leave

Additional information:  

Private Plans

Employers may opt out of the state plan in favor of a private plan.

Employers must hold an employee vote and receive approval from 50% +1 of the eligible Connecticut workforce to use a private plan. Employees cannot contribute more under a private plan under the state, so employers must make up the difference if the cost of the private plan exceeds the state rate.

Covered Family Members

Under Connecticut PFML, employees may take family leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Covered relationships include:

  • Spouse or domestic partner
  • Child (biological, adopted, or foster)
  • Parent or parent-in-law
  • Sibling
  • Grandparent
  • Grandchild
  • Any individual related to the employee by blood or affinity that is like a family member

To learn more about Connecticut’s paid leave program, visit the Connecticut Paid Leave website.

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