As of July 1, 2024, Colorado’s average weekly wage increases to $1,471.34, up about 3.5% from $1,421.10. This means that some Colorado workers taking Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) leave may receive a bump in benefits paid from the FAMLI Division.
Workers who already receive the maximum benefit of $1,100 a week will not see a change in benefits. However, starting on January 1, 2025, weekly benefits for employees will be capped at $1,324.21.
It is important for employers to know that this new average weekly wage will impact how they calculate and top off wages they have agreed to provide to employees as part of a written agreement for them to use PTO vacation or sick time in concert with the FAMLI benefit. An employee receiving FAMLI benefits cannot receive more benefits than if working for regular wages. Adjustments may be needed to any “top-off” benefits. We have a sample agreement in our FAMLI Overview whitepaper. If such an agreement is in effect using our sample, a new agreement is not necessary, just a revision of the calculations involved.
Any employees eligible for an increase in their benefits will receive a notice from the FAMLI Division, and employers will be able to see that information in the MyFAMLI+ Employer HR Benefits Dashboard. We recommend our members log in regularly to check the status of new, current, and pending claims for FAMLI benefits.
If you have questions on the FAMLI program, please contact Employers Council.
Heather Hancz is an attorney for Employers Council.