CT Paid Leave Program Surpasses 100,000 Connecticut Workers Receiving Benefits
/The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority has now provided income-replacement benefits to more than 100,000 Connecticut workers, having paid $638,030,870.74 in benefits since its launch in January 2022. Claims have come from every town and city across the state, according to the Authority.
The CT Paid Leave Authority is a quasi-public agency established in 2019, when Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill creating what is described as the most comprehensive and generous paid family and medical leave law in the nation at the time. The mission is to serve “a growing need by providing financial relief to Connecticut families, allowing individuals to care for a loved one, or themselves, without having to worry about lost income.”
Over 50% of claims have been for a person’s own serious health condition, 35% have been for pregnancy/childbirth and bonding, and 12% have been to care for a family member experiencing a serious health condition, data compiled by the Authority reflects. The remaining 3% of claims have been for other qualifying reasons: family violence leave, military caregiver leave, and qualifying exigency leave, according to officials.
“In just over two short years, this program has helped more than 100,000 people who otherwise may not have been able to seek needed medical or psychological treatment, be there for a family member during their time of need or take an appropriate amount of time to bond with a new child,” said Erin Choquette, CEO of the CT Paid Leave Authority.
“The advocates and legislators who fought to make this program a reality knew that the need was great. Their hard work and continuing support, together with the leadership of Governor Lamont, has made a concrete difference in the lives of Connecticut workers and their families,” Choquette added.
The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority works closely with third-party administrator Aflac for claims adjudication. “We are extremely pleased to see great improvement in how we are serving the people of Connecticut, due in large part to a great partnership with the CT Paid Leave Authority, and the people of the state of Connecticut, who have helped us to achieve all of the projected service levels related to customer calls and claims administration in 2023,” Alice Cotti, Aflac’s VP Government Business Solutions, commented.
“With over 360,000 incoming phone calls to our call center last year, we understand how important this program is to Connecticut residents and will continue to utilize all appropriate tools, resources, and expertise to make this an even better service for the Connecticut workers who rely on this program,” Choquette noted.
The CT Paid Leave Authority was established to administer a Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program that provides employees access to income replacement benefits when out of work for life events covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) and the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act (CT FMLA) and the Connecticut Family Violence Leave Act.
Connecticut workers who have used the CT Paid Leave program have shared their perspective with the agency, including these comments:
“From start to finish - a good experience. The representatives I spoke with were very helpful and patient in explaining what needed to be done.”
“My case manager was very helpful, and I loved her attitude and her proactive worth ethic which led to an overall great experience for me. She made me feel comfortable and like I was well taken care of.”
“Was much quicker and easier than expected. Technicians were always extremely nice and accommodating on the phone, and the process was very straightforward without any surprises along the way.” quicker and easier than expected. Technicians were always extremely nice and accommodating on the phone, and e process was very straightforward without any surprises along the way.”
To begin an application for CT Paid Leave benefits, workers can visit ctpaidleave.org or call (877) 499-8606.
