Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)

Colorado's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for workers who need time off for their own serious health condition, to care for a family member, to bond with a new child, for safe leave related to domestic violence or sexual assault, or for qualifying military exigencies. Workers experiencing pregnancy or childbirth complications can receive up to 4 additional weeks (16 weeks total).

Starting January 1, 2026, Colorado expanded the program to include Neonatal Care Leave: up to 12 additional weeks of paid leave for parents whose infant is admitted to a NICU. Combined with standard bonding leave, NICU parents can receive up to 24 weeks of paid leave (or 28 weeks if the birthing parent also has pregnancy complications).

The program covers virtually all Colorado workers, regardless of employer size. Eligibility requires having earned at least $2,500 in wages during the base period. Benefits are calculated at 90% of the portion of your wages up to 50% of the state average weekly wage, plus 50% of wages above that threshold. The maximum weekly benefit for 2026 is $1,381.45 (90% of the SAWW). There is no waiting period; benefits are payable from day one of approved leave. The FAMLI premium rate for 2026 is 0.88% of wages, split evenly (0.44% employer / 0.44% employee). Employers with fewer than 10 employees are exempt from the employer share. Self-employed individuals can opt in.

Covered family members include your spouse or domestic partner, child (of any age, including step, foster, and in loco parentis), parent (including in-law and step), grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or any individual with a significant personal bond that is or is like a family relationship.

FAMLI provides both wage replacement and job protection. Workers who have been employed for at least 180 days before their leave begins are entitled to reinstatement to the same or equivalent position with equivalent benefits, pay, and other terms of employment. Your employer must continue your health insurance coverage during leave, regardless of tenure. The program is administered by the Colorado Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance within the Department of Labor and Employment.

Beyond FAMLI, Colorado enforces the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA), which prohibits disability discrimination, including mental health conditions, for employers with 1 or more employees. Colorado also has the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA), which provides paid sick leave for all workers. These overlapping protections create a robust safety net for workers facing health challenges.