Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave: Employer FAQ
Overview
On January 1, 2021, Connecticut introduced the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) insurance program.
This program, funded entirely through employee payroll contributions, is designed to provide income replacement and job protection for workers who need to take time off for qualifying family or medical reasons.
Below are answers to common questions employers have about the program.
Do employers need to register?
Yes. All employers are required to register for Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave.
To register:
- Visit ctpaidleave.org
- Click Get Started under “Register Your Business”
- Follow the instructions to complete registration
Once registration is complete, Beyond will set up payroll deductions for all required contributions and ensure that these withholdings are collected and submitted to the CT Paid Leave Authority starting January 1, 2021.
Who is covered by the program?
The CT Paid Leave (CTPL) program applies to all employers with at least one employee.
Employees are eligible if they meet the earned wage requirement. Self-employed individuals and sole proprietors may choose to opt into the program.
Not typically covered:
- Unionized employees of the State of Connecticut
- Federal employees
- Municipal employees
- Employees of local/regional boards of education
- Employees of non-public elementary or secondary schools
(Some exceptions apply.)
Who can receive benefits?
An employee may be eligible for PFML benefits if they:
- Earned at least $2,325 during the highest-earning quarter of the “base period” (the first four of the last five completed quarters), and
- Are currently employed, have been employed within the last 12 weeks, or are a self-employed Connecticut resident enrolled in the program.
Who manages the program?
The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority:
- Accepts and reviews benefit applications
- Approves and pays benefits to eligible workers, including self-employed individuals and sole proprietors
- Collects employee contributions
- Works with the Office of the Treasurer to invest and manage contributions to ensure benefit funding
How is the program funded?
Starting January 1, 2021, contributions are made through payroll deductions of up to 0.5% of an employee’s earnings.
- There is no employer match.
Contributions are based on wages up to the Social Security cap.
Can a business get an exemption?
Yes, but only if you offer a private plan that provides the same rights, benefits, and protections as the state program.
A qualifying private plan must:
- Offer at least the same number of benefit weeks
- Provide equal or greater wage replacement rates
- Impose no extra requirements or conditions
- Deduct the same amount from employees as the state plan
- Cover all employees for the duration of employment
- Apply to both current and future employees
- Be approved by a majority (50% + 1) of CT-based employees
- Meet any additional requirements set by the CT Paid Leave Authority
Private plans must also comply with Connecticut Insurance Department regulations.
Why might a private plan be revoked?
The CT Paid Leave Authority may terminate a private plan if it fails to:
- Pay benefits
- Pay benefits on time or according to public plan standards
- Maintain an adequate security deposit
- Properly manage plan funds
- Submit required reports
- Comply with any part of the PFML Act
Applying for an exemption
When registering your business, you will have the option to apply for an exemption from the CT Paid Leave program.
For more information, visit the official Connecticut Paid Leave website.
Need Help?
You can submit a support request at any time for assistance with tax matters, technical questions, or other payroll support. This is the fastest and most secure way to get help from Beyond.