Kris Garcia, a Colorado resident, had to take three months off work following a car accident which left him with severe injuries including internal bleeding, and a knee laceration. During his recovery, he wasn’t paid for the time off work leading to financial issues for his family. During this tough time, Colorado introduced the Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI), a new social insurance program that provides employees with up to twelve weeks of paid leave for several reasons such as caring for their health, looking after a family member’s health condition, dealing with issues related their upcoming military deployment, or addressing safety needs resulting from sexual assault or domestic violence. Any worker that has earned $2,500 in a year, including self-employed and freelance workers, can apply for the program. Both employers and employees pay into the FAMLI program with 0.45% paid by the employer and 0.45% paid by the employee. Most Colorado employers have to participate in this insurance program by either implementing the state program or a private plan with similar or better benefits. The FAMLI program has been welcomed by many in the state, and it has been suggested that it may serve as a model for other states to implement similar supportive schemes.

In addition to providing financial security during a time of personal crisis, another key aspect of the FAMLI program is its customer service and support options. For those in need of additional assistance or who have specific questions about their individual circumstances, the FAMLI program has established a robust customer service structure designed to provide comprehensive information and guidance. Those wishing to access this resource can do so by visiting the FAMLI’s website or making direct contact via the provided phone number. This way, workers can gain a clear understanding of their rights, benefits, and responsibilities under the FAMLI program while also receiving the support and guidance they need to successfully navigate their leave period.