Colorado FAMLI Paid Family and Medical Leave
Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Division
Can Colorado pay part of my wages while I recover from childbirth or bond with my baby?
What this is
FAMLI is Colorado's paid family and medical leave program. It replaces part of your wages while you recover from childbirth or bond with your baby. It also gives you job protection if you have worked for your employer at least 180 days.
Why it matters after birth
This is money while you are not working, which is the practical difference between taking your leave and cutting it short.
You may qualify if
You generally need to have earned at least $2,500 in the previous year and have a qualifying reason. Job protection on return applies if you have worked for your employer at least 180 days. Some employers use approved private plans, which must be at least as good as FAMLI and cannot add eligibility requirements or higher employee deductions.
What you actually get
Up to 12 weeks of paid leave annually, and qualifying pregnancy or childbirth complications can add up to 4 more weeks. Your weekly benefit is set on a sliding scale, up to 90% of your wages.
How long it lasts
Up to 12 weeks a year, plus up to 4 additional weeks for qualifying pregnancy or childbirth complications. Leave can be continuous, intermittent, or on a reduced schedule.
What it costs
You contribute through a premium: in 2026 the employee premium is 0.44% of wages under the standard state plan. The benefit itself pays you on a sliding scale up to 90% of wages.
How to use it
Apply through My FAMLI+. Give 30 days' notice when the leave is foreseeable, and provide medical certification for medical claims. You can call 1-866-263-2654 with questions.
What you'll need
Medical certification for medical claims, plus the employment and wage information My FAMLI+ requests.
Important limitations
FAMLI is wage replacement; job protection on return depends on having worked for your employer at least 180 days. FAMLI and FMLA may overlap rather than stack. If your employer uses an approved private plan, your benefit comes through that plan — it must be at least as good, with no extra eligibility requirements or higher employee deductions.
How it works with other benefits
FAMLI can overlap with FMLA. If your newborn needs intensive care, Colorado's separate Neonatal Care Leave has its own bank of leave, so your bonding leave is not consumed by the hospital stay. None of this affects your health coverage.
Finding a provider or service
My FAMLI+ is where you file and manage your claim. Your health-care provider completes the medical certification. Call 1-866-263-2654 for help.
Language & cultural access
FAMLI publishes program notices and a marketing kit with member materials; ask about language assistance when you file.
If you do not qualify
If you did not earn at least $2,500 in the previous year, ask your employer about paid time off, sick leave, employer disability, and employer parental leave, and ask whether FMLA protects your job.
Access in practice
Being covered and being able to use it are different things. This is what the sources say about actually reaching this support.
- Referral or prior authorization
- Medical certification is required for medical claims.
- Known barriers in practice
- Notice requirements, medical certification, and employer private plans are the usual sources of delay or confusion.
In plain terms
What this means for you
FAMLI can pay you up to 90% of your wages for up to 12 weeks, with up to 4 extra weeks if there were complications — and your job is protected if you have been with your employer at least 180 days. Give 30 days' notice when you can, and get your provider's certification ready, because those two things are what hold claims up.
Your next step
What to do next
Create your My FAMLI+ account and file your claim, giving your employer 30 days' notice if your leave is foreseeable. Ask your provider for the medical certification. If your newborn may need intensive care, ask about Neonatal Care Leave as a separate claim.
Official sources
Last verified September 16, 2026 · Ready
4 official sources
Authority: Colorado FAMLI program
Recheck when: The employee premium rate is set annually; 0.44% of wages is the 2026 rate under the standard state plan.
This is plain-language public-policy information, not legal, medical, or benefits advice, and it is not specific to your situation. Policy changes, so confirm current rules with the agency or your health plan.