Private Plans

About Private Plans

The Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave Act applies to all covered employers with one or more employees. Employers may apply to offer a private plan to all employees for paid leave coverage if it provides the same or better benefits than the state program. The CT Paid Leave Authority must approve the private plan before it can become effective. Although employers may apply for a private plan, individual employees are not permitted to opt-out of the CT Paid Leave program.

The money collected for a private plan does not go into the state's Trust Fund. The contributions go to an account or accounts established by the employer and can only be used by the employer to administer that private plan.

How to apply

Administering your private plan

Terminating your private plan

Top Five Things Employees Should Know About Private Plans

Ask your employer if your paid leave benefits are provided through the CT Paid Leave program or through a private plan.

You will be provided the opportunity to vote for any renewal at the end of the three-year window and to vote on any proposed material changes to the plan not required by law.

Applying for income replacement benefits through your private plan may not be the same as applying for job protection under FMLA or disability or other benefits from your employer. You must ask your employer for information on the process for applying for paid leave benefits and job protection. You should also ask your employer if there are other benefits available to you, such as short or long-term disability coverage.

If you are denied benefits under your private plan, you have the right to request a reconsideration from your private plan administrator and file an appeal with the Connecticut Department of Labor.

If you leave employment with your employer, you still may be eligible for paid leave benefits under your employer’s plan for any qualifying leaves that begin within 12 weeks of the date you were last employed. There may be limitations on that paid leave request if you are receiving certain other income, including Unemployment Insurance, for the same period of time.

Minimum Requirements for Approval

It must offer the same or better benefits as the public plan
- A short-term disability policy will not qualify
It cannot cost employees more than the public plan
It must cover all employees working for the employer in Connecticut
It must be approved by a majority vote of the employees working in Connecticut

Types of Private Plans

Fully-insured Policy

A paid family and medical leave insurance policy approved by the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID)

Self-insured Plan and Surety Bond

A self-insured plan approved by the CT Paid Leave Authority and a surety bond in the form approved by the CT Paid Leave Authority

Differences Between Private Plan Types

Deadline to Apply

The CT Paid Leave Authority accepts applications on a rolling basis.
Applications must be approved no later than 30 calendar days before the end of the quarter prior to the quarter in which the approval takes effect.
- For example, in order for a plan to be approved to take effect on July 1, the plan has to be approved prior to June 1.
Contributions continue to be owed to the Authority until the plan takes effect.

Need More Information About Private Plans?

Private Plan Policies Filing Guidance Notice Filing Guidance Checklist