CT Family Medical Leave Act

The Connecticut Family Medical Leave law allows for 16 weeks of unpaid leave during any 24 month period.  The law when combined with the Federal act may provide up to 28 weeks of unpaid job-protected leave.

Women in CT may be able to replace a portion of their income by purchasing short term disability for maternity leave.  Coverage may apply during the time you are unable to work due to your own medical condition.  

The Connecticut and Federal FMLA laws works differently in terms of who is covered, and how they work. What you will find on this page:

• Who is covered
• Key Provisions
  
• CT Family Medical Leave and the Federal law
• Affording all the time off from work
  
  

The CT Familly Medical Leave Act law allows for 16 weeks of unpaid leave during any 24 month period. The law applies to employer groups of 75 or more, but does not apply to state, municipal, local or regional board of education, private or parochial elementary or secondary school.

To qualify for leave under the Connecticut Family Leave Act, you must have worked for your employer for at least one year and you must have worked at least 1,000 hours in the last 12 months. Only employers with at least 75 employees are subject to the law.

Your employer must continue any employer-provided health benefits, including dental, vision, and other benefits. You may be required to pay your portion of the premiums. These contributions will now be AFTER TAX, costing you more out of pocket that while you are working.

You have a right to re-instatement to previous position or one that is equivalent in terms of benefits, pay, and other conditions of employment.

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law, whereas the Connecticut Family Leave Act (CFRA) applies to Connecticut workers only.  Some key differences include:

• Length of leave is longer - 16 weeks in a 24 month period for the CT law versus 12 weeks in a 12 month period for the Federal law
• Hours worked are shorter - 1,000 of service in the previous 12 months for the CT law versus 1,250 for the Federal law
• Employer size is larger - Employers with 75 employees or more are subject to the CT law versus 50 for the Federal law

Source: Connecticut Department of Labor

Connecticut family medical leave law does not provide for paid leave.  Nor does the state have any mandated short term disability coverage.

If you are planning a pregnancy consider purchasing short term disability insurance before getting pregnant.  Your benefit for normal delivery may greatly exceed the premium paid, helping to create maternity leave income and providing a financial cushion to allow you to bond with your baby without worrying about how to pay bills.