DENVER — In the first ten days of Colorado’s new paid family leave program, the state has paid over $2.7 million to workers seeking reimbursement after serious life events. According to the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Division, since the start of eligible claim payments on January 1st, the money has been distributed across 3,208 approved claims. Workers were allowed to begin filing claims in November, following the opening of FAMLI’s statewide application portal.

Covered Colorado workers can now receive up to 12 weeks of leave each year to bond with a new child, including adopted and fostered children. The leave can also be applied towards attending to a grave health condition, a family member’s serious health condition, making arrangements for a family member’s military deployment, or addressing safety needs related to domestic violence or sexual assault.

The implementation of the law that ensures Coloradans access to paid family leave took effect on January 1.