Your payment on Connecticut (CT) Paid Leave is calculated based on your average weekly earnings, with different rates applying depending on how much you earn relative to the state's minimum wage. The benefit aims to replace a portion of your lost wages while you are out on leave.
Calculating Your CT Paid Leave Benefit
The amount you receive on CT Paid Leave is determined by your average weekly earnings (AWE) and the current Connecticut minimum wage. As of June 1, 2024, the Connecticut minimum wage is $15.69 per hour.
To calculate your benefit, the CT Paid Leave Authority considers a threshold amount: 40 times the current CT minimum wage. This threshold is currently *$15.69/hour 40 hours = $627.60 per week**.
Your weekly benefit amount will fall into one of two tiers:
| Your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) | CT Paid Leave Benefit Rate (Less Any Offsets) |
|---|---|
| Equal to or Less than $627.60 (40x CT Minimum Wage) | 95% of your Average Weekly Earnings |
| More than $627.60 (40x CT Minimum Wage) | 95% of $627.60 (40x CT Minimum Wage) PLUS 60% of the amount your Average Weekly Earnings exceed $627.60 (40x CT Minimum Wage) |
It's important to note that there is a maximum weekly benefit for CT Paid Leave, which is 60 times the Connecticut minimum wage. Currently, this maximum benefit is *$15.69/hour 60 hours = $941.40 per week**.
Key Terms Explained
- Average Weekly Earnings (AWE): Your AWE is calculated based on your earnings over the first two of the last three completed calendar quarters prior to the start of your leave. This calculation helps determine your base income for benefit purposes.
- Offsets: Your CT Paid Leave benefits may be reduced if you are receiving certain other income or benefits during the same period you are on leave. Common offsets can include workers' compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, or certain wage replacement benefits.
Example Scenarios
To illustrate how your CT Paid Leave benefit is calculated, let's look at a few examples:
-
Scenario 1: Earning below the threshold
- Suppose your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) are $500.00.
- Since $500.00 is less than the $627.60 threshold, your benefit will be 95% of your AWE.
- Benefit: $500.00 * 0.95 = $475.00 per week
-
Scenario 2: Earning above the threshold
- Suppose your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) are $1,000.00.
- Since $1,000.00 is more than the $627.60 threshold, the calculation includes two parts:
- 95% of the threshold amount: $627.60 * 0.95 = $596.22
- 60% of the amount your AWE exceeds the threshold: ($1,000.00 - $627.60) 0.60 = $372.40 0.60 = $223.44
- Benefit: $596.22 + $223.44 = $819.66 per week
-
Scenario 3: Earning significantly above the threshold (hitting the maximum)
- Suppose your Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) are $2,000.00.
- Following the calculation for earnings above the threshold:
- 95% of the threshold amount: $627.60 * 0.95 = $596.22
- 60% of the amount your AWE exceeds the threshold: ($2,000.00 - $627.60) 0.60 = $1,372.40 0.60 = $823.44
- Calculated Total: $596.22 + $823.44 = $1,419.66
- However, your benefit cannot exceed the maximum weekly benefit of $941.40.
- Benefit: $941.40 per week (due to the maximum benefit cap)
For more detailed information and to apply for benefits, you can visit the official CT Paid Leave website.
