The Connecticut Paid Leave (CTPL) program is a state-run initiative that provides eligible employees with access to paid family and medical leave benefits. As of January 1, 2022, the program has been in effect, allowing employees to take paid time off for various qualifying reasons, including caring for a newborn or adopted child, attending to a family member's serious health condition, or addressing their own serious health issue. The CTPL program is funded through employee payroll deductions, with a contribution rate of 0.5% of an employee's earnings, up to a maximum annual contribution of $26 per week.
Overview of CT Paid Leave
The CTPL program is designed to offer employees a sense of security and financial stability during times of personal or family need. Employees who work for private sector employers with one or more employees, as well as some state and municipal employees, are eligible to participate in the program. To be eligible, employees must have earned at least $5,000 in the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters and be currently employed or have been employed within the last 12 weeks. Self-employed individuals and some non-profit organizations may also opt-in to the program. The CTPL program provides employees with paid family and medical leave benefits, which can be used to care for a family member, bond with a new child, or recover from a serious health condition.
Eligibility and Benefits
To be eligible for CTPL benefits, employees must meet the aforementioned earnings requirement and have a qualifying reason for leave. Qualifying reasons include the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or addressing the employee’s own serious health issue. Employees may receive up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave benefits in a 12-month period, with a maximum benefit amount of $900 per week. The benefit amount is calculated based on the employee’s average weekly earnings, with a maximum benefit amount set at 60% of the state’s average weekly earnings.
| Benefit Type | Maximum Benefit Amount | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paid Family Leave | $900 per week | 12 weeks in a 12-month period |
| Paid Medical Leave | $900 per week | 12 weeks in a 12-month period |
Application and Notice Requirements
Employees who wish to apply for CTPL benefits must submit an application to the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority, which is responsible for administering the program. The application process typically involves providing documentation to support the qualifying reason for leave, such as a birth certificate or a doctor’s note. Employees must provide at least 30 days’ notice to their employer before taking leave, unless the need for leave is unforeseen. In cases where the need for leave is unforeseen, employees must provide notice as soon as practicable.
Employer Obligations
Employers are required to notify employees about the CTPL program and their eligibility for benefits. Employers must also provide employees with a notice of rights under the program, which includes information about the application process, benefit amounts, and duration of leave. Employers may not retaliate against employees for taking CTPL, and must reinstate employees to their previous position or an equivalent position upon return from leave.
- Employers must notify employees about the CTPL program and their eligibility for benefits
- Employers must provide employees with a notice of rights under the program
- Employers may not retaliate against employees for taking CTPL
- Employers must reinstate employees to their previous position or an equivalent position upon return from leave
How do I apply for CTPL benefits?
+To apply for CTPL benefits, employees must submit an application to the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority, which can be done online or by mail. Employees will need to provide documentation to support their qualifying reason for leave, such as a birth certificate or a doctor’s note.
How much will I receive in CTPL benefits?
+The amount of CTPL benefits an employee will receive is based on their average weekly earnings, with a maximum benefit amount set at 60% of the state’s average weekly earnings. The maximum benefit amount is $900 per week.
