Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated 2/21/24

Email your questions to afaden+coloradofamli@unitedafa.org

• Will I get points if I use FAMLI?

• Attendance points or any form of discipline (including IE levels for probationary new hires) are considered retaliation. While points may be assessed initially, once you provide the approved claim number to UA via the HelpHub FAMLI Notification form, the points should be removed. If they are not, go to Retaliation Complaint Forms

• Are probationary new hires eligible for FAMLI?

• Yes -  All employees, including new hires, are eligible for FAMLI if they have earned $2500 within the last 15 months in a closed calendar quarter (ie Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec)

• Does income from a previous Colorado employer count toward the $2500 minimum earnings?

• Yes - If you were employed in Colorado, all earnings that were subject to FAMLI premium deductions in the last 15 months count toward the $2500, so some new hires may be eligible for FAMLI right away. 

• What if I am a commuter and I live in another state?

• FAMLI covers Colorado workers, regardless of where you live.  If you are based in DEN and you have met your $2500 in earnings subject to premiums, then you are eligible for FAMLI. 

• How much is the premium deduction from my paycheck? 

• Effective January 1, 2023 DEN based Flight Attendants pay .045% of their earnings  toward the premium and United pays .045% for a total premium of .9%. For 2025 and beyond, the director of the FAMLI Division sets the premium rate according to a formula based on the monetary value of the fund each year.

• What is a "serious health condition"?

• "Serious health condition" is an illness, injury, impairment, pregnancy, recovery from childbirth, or physical or mental condition that involves inpatient care in a hospital, hospice or residential medical care facility, or continuing treatment by a health care provider.

• How long after an absence do I have to submit a claim?

• A FAMLI claim needs to be opened within 30 days after the first day of work missed in order to be considered for FAMLI benefits. Any FAMLI claim filed between 31-90 days after the first date of absence will be considered if the Claimant also establishes good cause for the delay. (7 CCR 1107-3.6.4) 

Example of "good cause" for delays:

• • • New Hire or transferee who was not advised individually of Colorado FAMLI

    • Employee shared details (with a UA department or manager) of a need for leave (ie. sick family member, personal serious health condition) and was not advised within 5 business days about Colorado FAMLI

• Will the company allow the use of sick bank to supplement FAMLI?

• While the Act does allow employers the ability to let employees supplement from their sick bank (up to their average weekly wage), United management currently are not allowing employees this opportunity  and this is considered an unpaid leave as far as the company is concerned.
  
  

• What if I am paid from my sick bank, even though UA has stated they are not allowing it?

• This will create an "over payment" situation at some point for you. You will have to pay the money back to UA. If you are paid from your sick bank, do not spend it. Go to the Retaliation Complain Forms page and complete the Audit form to report. 

• Is the company responsible for verification of an approved case through their portal?

• Employers do not adjudicate claims. However, if they have set up their FAMLI+ Employer account, they are notified when a claim is filed and are provided information as to the duration, status and type of claim. Medical details are not shared with your employer. United currently does have the FAMLI+ Employer account active. 

• Am I able to "opt out" of the FAMLI program and avoid the .045% payroll deduction?

• No. If you are based in DEN, regardless of where you live, you are subject to the deduction and FAMLI Paid Leave will always be available to you. zzzzzzz

For more information, visit the CDLE FAMLI website at https://famli.colorado.gov/