In the Spotlight: Options for New and Expecting Parents |
Many new parents are telling us that they want their claims to begin as soon as the new child arrives. |
Pregnancy counts as a serious health condition. Some new Colorado parents have opted to take their entire 12-week leave as a medical claim instead of a bonding claim, assuming they have the support of their health care provider to recommend that approach. |
Remember that FAMLI benefits don’t increase when pregnancy is the reason for a FAMLI leave; workers can’t typically take more than 12 weeks of FAMLI leave in a 12-month period. |
In some cases of childbirth complications, though, Colorado allows birthing parents to claim up to four additional weeks of FAMLI leave. New parents in this situation should file a separate FAMLI claim to indicate they experienced a complication related to their pregnancy or childbirth. The birthing parent’s doctor will need to indicate on the Serious Health Condition Form how much time is needed to treat and recover from the complication. Colorado recently issued guidance on childbirth complications to help new parents make sense of their options. |
The more new parents learn about their FAMLI leave options when welcoming a new child into their families, the more they’ll be able to focus on the little one instead of stressing about their basic financial obligations. |
If a new parent would like personal assistance with their FAMLI claim, our customer care team is standing by to help. Drop us a line at cdle_famli_info@state.co.us or give us a call at 1-866-CO-FAMLI (1-866-263-2654) weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. MT. |
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People are asking: Can an employer or family member file a FAMLI claim for me? |
Life happens. So when a medical emergency or unexpected event makes someone unable to file a FAMLI claim, someone else can file the claim on the employee’s behalf. |
However, that should not be their employer. Employers should not open FAMLI claims for their employees. |
Instead, a Designated Representative needs to be the one to file the claim. A Designated Representative is a person or entity legally authorized to make decisions on behalf of a claimant with regard to the FAMLI program. That legal authorization may be through written designation from the claimant or through legal status as a parent, guardian, conservator, or power of attorney. If the claimant is unable to file a claim or authorize a designated representative due to medical incapacitation, a claimant’s family member may serve as a designated representative without prior authorization from the claimant. |
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“It was one of the easiest applications for assistance I’ve ever filled out.” |
That’s from Marissa, who received FAMLI benefits when she needed to step away from her job and re-learn to walk after a relapse of multiple sclerosis. |
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You never know when FAMLI might pop by — because we’re out in the community getting the word out about how paid family leave works. Look for us at some of these upcoming events: |
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Your feedback about your FAMLI experience is important to us. Please complete this brief feedback form (2-5 minutes) to help us improve the user experience of My FAMLI+. Your responses will help us improve the online portal for FAMLI claimants and all state residents. |
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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) 633 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202-3660 Unsubscribe |
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