Connecticut’s Paid Leave (CTPL) program is designed to provide financial support to employees who need to take time off work for specific family and medical reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child. While not job-protected, this program ensures that parents can bond with their new child without the added stress of losing income. Here’s a brief overview at who should apply, the amount of time available, when benefits begin, how much of your pay will be covered, eligibility requirements, tips for applying, and what to expect during the application process.
Both birthing and non-birthing parents should consider applying for CTPL. The program is funded by employee contributions, so it’s offered by private employers to help support employees during the critical period of welcoming a new child into their family. Whether you are the primary caregiver or supporting your partner, CTPL can provide the necessary financial assistance during your leave.
Under the CTPL program, non-birthing parents are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid leave within a 12-month period. Birthing parents are eligible for an additional 2 weeks, totaling 14 weeks of paid leave within the same period. This extended time allows birthing parents to recover physically while also bonding with their new baby.
Benefits under the CTPL program begin immediately once you have left work and your application is approved. There is no waiting period, which means that if your application is successful, benefits will be payable from day one of your leave. This ensures that you can focus on your new family member without worrying about financial gaps.
Birthing parents will also need to apply for disability benefits. Please contact your employer for information about which carrier, if not Aflac, covers the Short Term Disability (STD).
CTPL benefits cover approximately 95% of your weekly pay, up to a maximum of $941 per week as of 2024. To get an estimate of your benefits, you can use the online estimator tool provided by the CTPL program.
Generally, CTPL benefits are payable upon the birth or placement of a child. However, there are a few exceptions:
For more detailed information on eligibility, visit the “I am Starting or Expanding my Family” section on the CTPL website.
Connecticut’s Paid Leave (CTPL) program is a program available for parents welcoming a new child. Applying early and staying informed about your benefits can help make this transition smoother, allowing you to focus on your growing family. But there are limitations for paid parental leave by relying on CTPL only, like any PFL program. 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. For more information on supplementing paid parental leave benefits with Parento, Chat with our sales team or visit Gimme Parental Leave if you're a parent!
