This is an official communication from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Family & Medical Leave Insurance Division. |
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You’re worried about a lot right now. As we head into the final weeks of the year, those worries can get heavy — especially if you’re healing, caring for someone you love, or bringing a new child into the world. |
FAMLI exists to take some of that weight off your shoulders. Our commitment is simple: to make life’s hardest moments a little less stressful, and to ensure you feel supported — through accessible, dependable, and safe paid leave. |
This month, we’re sharing updates that make your leave even easier, and more affordable, in the year ahead. You’ll find tips, answers to common questions, and new tools we’ve added based on what you told us would help you most. |
Thank you for trusting us during such important moments. And if you ever feel unsure about your next step, reach out — we’re here to help you through it. |
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FAMLI Voices — Gabe Neymark, Durango |
Caring for a loved one often means putting your own life on hold. For many Coloradans, stepping away from work to support a parent, partner, or family member comes with real financial strain — especially as caregiving needs continue to rise nationwide and families shoulder more of that burden themselves. |
With FAMLI, Colorado caregivers have a safety net. |
Gabe, an engineer in Durango, relied on FAMLI’s Care Leave when his mom needed extensive support following a broken neck in winter 2023. For weeks, she needed round-the-clock help — driving to medical appointments, support with daily activities, and a steady presence during a frightening recovery. |
“Without FAMLI, I would have had to go without income during that time,” Gabe told us. “To not have to worry about losing that paycheck was just one less thing I had to think about in this really most difficult time of my life. I knew that I could pay rent and be there 100% to support my mom.” |
Colorado’s paid family leave program gives caregivers the ability to step in when life changes suddenly — offering time, stability, and income protection during the moments when families need it most. |
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News You Can Use — IRS Rev. Rul. 2025-4 |
As part of new IRS guidance, FAMLI medical benefits will soon be treated differently for federal tax purposes. These changes begin in January 2026, and while they don’t require you to take any action this year, we know it’s important to keep you informed — especially if you take medical leave next year. |
Our goal is to make these changes as straightforward as possible. Keep reading to know what’s changing, and how we’re designing systems to do all the heavy lifting for you. |
What’s Changing?
Beginning in 2026, and if you work for an employer with 10 or more employees, a portion of FAMLI medical leave benefits (ie, leave for your own health condition, including pregnancy) will be treated as a type of taxable wages called “third-party sick pay.” |
What This Means For You
Again, this change only impacts employees of businesses with 10 or more
employees. |
If that applies to you: the IRS will require a portion of your FAMLI medical leave benefits be taxed for FICA. |
How FAMLI Will Help You Manage This Change
While this is a federal requirement, you won’t have to navigate it alone. |
If you're affected by this IRS change and take medical leave for your own health condition, FAMLI will automatically handle your portion of FICA taxes for you. |
We’ll do this for every medical leave payment made to impacted workers — making sure no one has to wrangle extra forms, attempt confusing tax calculations, or add stress during a time your health should come first. |
Our goal is simple: no surprises, and easy change management. |
We’ll continue to share clear, simple guidance as we get closer to 2026 so you always know what to expect. Check our newsletters next month for more information! |
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Performance Report: FAMLI One Contact Center Is Elevating Your Experience |
FAMLI’s Contact Center continues to deliver some of the strongest customer support performance in the state. Because when you’re caring for your health or supporting someone you love, you should never have to fight for answers. |
Over the past year, our call center representatives have hit major milestones — milestones that translate directly into a calmer, faster, and more supportive experience for you. |
Your calls are being answered 60% faster than they were in December. That means less time waiting, and more time getting the guidance you need during moments that already feel stressful. |
More answered calls means more families are supported when life takes an unexpected turn. And now, nearly 70% less callers are hanging up before they reach us — a sign that the help you need is consistently available. |
Just a few months ago, it took over 7 minutes on average to reach a call representative. Today, it takes less than one minute. Because the better the service, the faster you can get back to what matters most. |
No matter what brings you to FAMLI, you deserve a process that feels clear, calm, and dependable. Every change we make is rooted in the same commitment: to be the steady, trustworthy support you can count on during life’s most important moments.
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Program Pulse: FAMLI Recognized as Caregiving Policy Experts |
States across the country are looking to Colorado as they build or expand their own paid leave programs. |
Earlier this month, Georgia’s Senate Study Committee on Improving Caregiver Outcomes invited FAMLI to share what we’ve learned about supporting family caregivers — a sign that your stories are shaping national conversations. |
As we prepared for that presentation, a few numbers stood out: |
- FAMLI is reaching families in every corner of Colorado.
Care leave has now been used in all 64 counties, from the Eastern Plains to the San Juan Mountains.
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- Families of all income levels rely on FAMLI.
In the ten zip codes where care leave is used most, median household incomes range from $52,000 to nearly $150,000. This shows that care is a core Colorado value, regardless of income.
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- Coloradans are caring for aging parents or loved ones with long-term conditions.
The average age of a care leave recipient is 45 years old - meaning care leave is reaching those most often with dual care responsibilities to their children, and their parents.
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These insights build on last month’s news that Colorado is now ranked #1 in the nation for resources available to families with young children. The model you’re helping build here in Colorado is becoming a blueprint for other states — expanding the impact of your stories and strengthening caregiving support for families everywhere. |
FAMLI Care Leave by Zip Code, 2025 |
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The latest stories about how paid leave is reshaping lives across Colorado. |
Colorado Caregiving Report |
A new AARP Colorado report highlights the essential role of family caregivers across the state. Colorado caregivers provide more than $11 billion in unpaid care each year, yet 47% report taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basic needs. |
What this means for you: If you’re caring for someone who depends on you, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to sacrifice your financial stability to show up for your family. Programs like FAMLI are crucial to protect your income, and afford you the time you need to care. |
Colorado Ranked Number One in Family Support |
Colorado was ranked #1 in the nation for resources available to families with young children, according to the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center. We now lead the country in reducing childhood food insecurity and place in the top 10 for maternal mental health, development screenings, and low child poverty rates. |
What this means for you: You live in a state that’s investing in your family’s wellbeing. Find out how FAMLI’s state agency partners can help you today: |
- Department of Early Childhood (for childhood programs)
- Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (for Medicaid eligibility)
- Get Ahead Colorado - CDPHE (for tax credits)
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New Study: Paid Leave Strengthens Father Engagement |
The June 2025 Progress to Paternity report shows that state paid leave programs significantly increase the number of fathers who are able to take bonding leave in their baby’s first months. When dads have protected, paid time at home, they’re more involved in caregiving, more confident as parents, and better able to transition back to work. |
What this means for you: If you’re a new dad or partner, paid bonding leave affords you real time to be there for those first feedings and doctor visits. Research shows this early time together supports your baby’s development, strengthens your relationship with your partner, and helps you return to work more focused, grounded, and present.
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We’re committed to making FAMLI easier to access and simpler to use for every Coloradan. This month, come talk to us as we connect with partners across the state: |
- Christmas Resource Fair for Farm Workers’ Families (Greeley): December 6th
- Christmas Resource Fair for Farm Workers’ Families (Brighton): December 13th
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Need a hand navigating your leave? Find printable guidebooks, FAQs, and online resources below – as well as user guides to make your FAMLI experience as easy as possible. |
1-866-CO-FAMLI (1-866-263-2654)
For general questions: CDLE_FAMLI_info@state.co.us
The FAMLI Contact Center is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The best time to call is between 7:30 and 10 a.m. |
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FAMLI is now on INSTA! Be sure to follow us and engage with the account at @coloradofamli. And don’t forget, we’re also on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. |
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Colorado Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) 707 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202 Unsubscribe |
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