Connecticut Paid Leave Authority explains safe leave, eligibility and how to apply

Erin Choquette, chief executive officer of the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority, outlined how Connecticuts paid-leave program supports people seeking safe leave after family violence or assault and explained who is eligible for income replacement benefits and how to apply.

Choquette said eligible workers may take job-protected safe leave under the Connecticut Family Violence Leave Act and also "may be eligible to receive income replacement benefits" through the Connecticut Paid Leave program while out of work for those reasons. The presentation emphasized eligibility rules, documentation requirements and the programs application pathways.

Why it matters: The guidance clarifies intersections among the Family Violence Leave Act, the Connecticut Paid Leave Act and the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Workers who qualify for safe leave may receive up to 12 days of income replacement benefits for family-violence or assault-related leave, and those who experience a serious health condition from such violence may have additional leave rights and longer paid-leave access under FMLA.

Key facts and eligibility Choquette said workers may take unpaid job-protected leave under the Connecticut Family Violence Leave Act for purposes including seeking medical or psychological care, getting services from a victim-services…