Colorado's Paid Family Leave (PFL) program joined the complex paid parental leave landscape in 2024 with the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI+) program. For parental leave, FAMLI+ provides paid leave benefits for birthing and non-birthing parents. Like many other state benefits programs, it can be overwhelming at first glance, especially for first-time applicants. Here’s a short guide to help you navigate the application process and understand the benefits.
If you’re in Colorado, you can take advantage of Colorado's FAMLI+ program to support your family's needs whether you’re expecting a baby, adopting, or fostering. Birthing and non-birthing parents, dads, adoptive and foster parents can all apply.
Parents can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave within a 52-week period, starting from the day your leave begins. Additional time may be available if you are pregnant, have given birth, or have health needs related to childbirth.
If you are the birthing parent, your benefits may be extended to up to 16 weeks with medical certification from a licensed healthcare provider. A separate FAMLI+ claim for a “serious health condition” will need to be filed.
Benefits are payable from day 1 of your leave. There is no waiting period, but benefits are issued in arrears so there may be a delay.
FAMLI+ covers approximately 90% of your average weekly wage, up to a weekly maximum of $1,324.21 (as of 2025). For high wage earners, this percentage will be much less as the benefit is capped at $1,324.21. Individuals will need to use PTO or Vacation to supplement the benefit.
You can start your application 30 days before your leave begins. Your claim will be a draft until proof of birth documentation is submitted to complete the claim.
Your company will cover the difference between what Short-Term Disability (STD), if applicable, and FAMLI+ will pay, up to the limits of the paid parental leave policy. File for these benefits as soon as possible to avoid delays in pay.
Also, your company may choose not to pay you paid parental leave while you’re waiting for approval from the state for FAMLI+. While you may be eligible for parental leave pay, you may see a delay. If you have concerns, reach out to your employer.
Even with Colorado’s FAMLI program, paid parental leave is still limited, leaving many parents without the means to take the time off to bond with their new child. Parento is the leading provider of paid parental leave insurance, helping every company affordably offer up to 16 weeks at 100% pay, to fill that gap in paid leave for their employees. This is why employees are advocating for paid parental leave in their workplace, and why Parento is committed to solving the paid parental leave crisis in the United States. Chat with our sales team for more information or visit Gimme Parental Leave if you're a parent!
