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Workplace Rights and Pregnancy Protection for Single Mothers in Colorado

Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection for Single Mothers in Colorado

Last updated: September 2025

This guide gives you the fastest paths to job-protected leave, pregnancy accommodations, and pay protections in Colorado. It links directly to official forms, hotlines, and agencies so you can act today. Keep copies of everything you submit. Take screenshots. Save emails.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help — Keep These Handy

What This Guide Covers

  • Colorado paid family/medical leave, job protection, and wage replacement
  • Pregnancy accommodations, nursing/pumping breaks, and anti-discrimination
  • Paid sick leave you accrue every year
  • What to do when hours are cut, you’re fired, or benefits are denied
  • Child care, health coverage, and emergency bill help that keep you working
  • Local and diverse-community resources with direct links

Fast Map of Your Core Rights

Use this table to see what applies and where to act first.

Law or Program Who It Protects What You Get Where to Apply/Complain
FAMLI (Paid Family & Medical Leave) Most Colorado workers with $2,500 wages in past ~year Up to 12 weeks paid leave; +4 weeks for pregnancy/childbirth complications; job protection after 180 days; weekly max updated each year My FAMLI+ claim portal; help line 1-866-263-2654
HFWA Paid Sick Leave All employees in Colorado 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours/yr; paid; can use for prenatal care, illness, safety needs INFO #6B guidance; file Labor Standards complaint
Colorado Pregnancy Accommodation (CADA) Workers needing reasonable accommodations for pregnancy/childbirth recovery Schedule, lifting limits, seating, extra breaks, transfer if available; no forced leave if accommodation works CCRD file a complaint (300-day deadline)
PWFA (federal) Employers with 15+ employees Reasonable accommodations unless undue hardship EEOC Public Portal; EEOC Denver
PUMP Act (federal) and CO Nursing Parents law Most workers who pump at work Reasonable break time; private space not a bathroom; CO covers up to 2 years after birth WHD Denver; CDLE complaint
FMLA (federal) Eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours, 50+ within 75 miles) Up to 12 weeks unpaid, job-protected leave DOL FMLA fact sheets

How to Request Pregnancy Accommodations at Work

Start with the simplest ask that lets you keep working safely.

  • Put the request in writing and name your condition and the limits you’re facing. Ask for one or two concrete solutions the job can easily do. Use Colorado’s accommodation examples, federal PWFA examples, and the CDLE nursing-parent guidance if you’re also pumping. (law.justia.com)
  • Ask HR to start the interactive process and schedule a quick meeting. Bring a brief note from a licensed health-care provider only if the employer asks for it; Colorado allows a simple note if the employer requires one. See Colorado statute text and EEOC PWFA final rule summary. (law.justia.com)
  • If they push leave instead of an accommodation, remind them both PWFA and Colorado law do not allow forced leave when a reasonable accommodation would work. Use PWFA basics and Colorado law to anchor your ask. (eeoc.gov)
  • Document every step: dates, names, what was said, copies of emails. If retaliation or delay starts, keep logging.

What to do if this doesn’t work: File with CCRD within 300 days, add EEOC, and consider a CDLE Labor Standards complaint if breaks or pay are also involved. For legal help, try Colorado Legal Services and Towards Justice. (ccrd.colorado.gov)

Colorado Paid Leave for Birth and Recovery — FAMLI in Plain English

Colorado’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) gives most workers paid, job-protected leave. It covers prenatal recovery, childbirth, postpartum healing, and bonding.

  • What you get fast: Up to 12 weeks paid; an extra 4 weeks if you have pregnancy or childbirth complications. There’s job protection once you’ve been employed 180 days with your current employer before leave starts. Start or check your claim in My FAMLI+ and read FAMLI vs FMLA and Job Protection & Retaliation. (famli.colorado.gov)
  • How much you’re paid: Benefits are calculated on a sliding scale. As of January 1, 2025, the weekly max for new claims rose to 1,324.21;asofJuly1,2025,thecapincreasedwiththenewstateaverageweeklywageto1,324.21; as of July 1, 2025, the cap increased with the new state average weekly wage to 1,381.45. Use the state’s calculator and watch for Rules & Guidance updates. (famli.colorado.gov)
  • Eligibility basics: Most workers qualify once they’ve earned at least $2,500 in Colorado wages subject to FAMLI premiums in the past five quarters (about a year). You can apply from day one of a new job if you meet the wage test. See Individuals & Families FAQs and FAMLI home. (famli.colorado.gov)
  • Premiums and who pays: Premiums are 0.9% of wages, typically split 50/50 (0.45% each) between employer and employee, with adjustments based on employer size. Details and examples live in Employers overview and the Premium & Benefits Calculator. (famli.colorado.gov)
  • Health insurance during leave: Your employer must continue group health coverage while you’re on FAMLI leave. Read the Division’s Health Benefits guidance and the Job Protection page. (famli.colorado.gov)
  • How to apply:
    • Create or sign in at My FAMLI+. Have ID info, employer FEIN, HR email, and your provider’s Serious Health Condition form ready.
    • Upload proof like a birth certificate (for bonding) or provider form (for your own medical leave). Follow the user guide and how‑to videos.
    • If your employer has an approved private plan, they must tell you how to apply there. See Private Plans. (famli.colorado.gov)
  • Timing tips: Apply up to 30 days before leave. After approval, you must confirm the day your leave actually begins inside My FAMLI+. If something stalls, call 1-866-263-2654 and note the case ID. See Get Help from FAMLI. (famli.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use the Appeals resources for FAMLI decisions, and report noncompliance on Audits & Compliance. Add a CDLE Labor Standards complaint if wages or retaliation are involved. (famli.colorado.gov)

Sick Time You Accrue — Healthy Families & Workplaces Act (HFWA)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Add a CCRD charge if retaliation smells like discrimination, and contact Colorado Legal Services for free legal clinics. (ccrd.colorado.gov)

Nursing and Pumping at Work — Colorado + Federal Protections

What to do if this doesn’t work: File with WHD (federal) and CDLE (state). For peer support, contact La Leche League of Mountain Plains. (webapps.dol.gov)

Pregnancy Discrimination and Harassment — Where to File and When

What to do if this doesn’t work: Speak with Colorado Legal Services, ACLU of Colorado legal intake, or Towards Justice for potential representation. (coloradolegalservices.org)

Pay, Scheduling, and Job Postings — Minimum Wage and Equal Pay

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call CDLE Labor Standards at 1-303-318-8441, then seek help from Colorado Legal Services or Towards Justice if amounts or retaliation escalate. (cdle.colorado.gov)

If You’re Fired, Hours Cut, or Forced to Quit

  • Unemployment Insurance (UI): You may qualify if you were separated through no fault of your own or for certain “good cause” reasons (like unsafe work). You must be able and available for work. File or reopen a claim in MyUI+, read eligibility basics, and call the UI line at 1-800-388-5515. (cdle.colorado.gov)
  • If you left for medical reasons: Voluntary quits for personal reasons are generally not eligible, but medical/work-safety facts can matter. File anyway and submit documentation. Ask UI for guidance through UI Claimant Guide and call 1-800-388-5515 for status. (cdle.colorado.gov)
  • Report retaliation: If you were punished for using FAMLI or HFWA, file a labor complaint and consider CCRD/EEOC. Use CDLE complaints and CCRD. (cdle.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Visit your local Workforce Center to get job search help and free training; ask about ASL or language access when booking. (cdle.colorado.gov)

How to Stop a Utility Shutoff in Colorado Today

  • Call same-day: Contact your provider and the HEAT HELP line. LEAP’s emergency processing can run in about 10 days for eligible households; non-crisis applications typically take 10–25 days. Start with LEAP 1-866-432-8435 and Energy Outreach Colorado for gap help. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
  • Keep paying something: Don’t skip payments while waiting. Ask for budget billing and hardship plans. Use EOC’s agency finder and check the status of seasonal programs on LEAP. (energyoutreach.org)
  • Emerging supports: If you receive SNAP and didn’t get LEAP, ask about Energy EBT (one-time state energy help). (cdhs.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 2‑1‑1 Colorado for other local funds and church aid. Provide your disconnection notice and ID when you call. (211colorado.org)

Health Coverage, WIC, and Breastfeeding Support That Keep You Working

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your provider case manager, WIC, or Medicaid plan for a faster referral. If you face language or accessibility barriers, note that CDLE and many state offices provide ASL and language services; see the ASL interpreter pilot. (cdle.colorado.gov)

Child Care So You Can Keep Working

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 2‑1‑1 Colorado and your county’s DHS again; ask your case manager to escalate if a waitlist threatens your job. (211colorado.org)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

Diverse Communities — Tailored Notes and Links

Resources by Region

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reality Check — Delays and Shortages Happen

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Need Do This First Back‑Up Plan
Paid leave for birth/recovery File in My FAMLI+ and call 1‑866‑263‑2654 File appeal and call FAMLI Job Protection; submit CDLE complaint if retaliation
Pregnancy accommodation Email HR with a clear request citing Colorado law File with CCRD and EEOC
Pumping at work Cite CO nursing-parent law and PUMP Act File with WHD Denver and CDLE
Sick time Use HFWA rights File Labor Standards
Utility shutoff Call LEAP + provider + EOC Use 2‑1‑1 Colorado for other funds

Application Checklist — Print or Screenshot

  • FAMLI: ID, employer FEIN/HR email, provider Serious Health Condition form or birth record, direct‑deposit info. Start in My FAMLI+ and save every upload. (famli.colorado.gov)
  • HFWA/Sick time ask: Brief note with dates/hours needed, any provider note (if >4 workdays), and your timesheets. See INFO #6B. (cdle.colorado.gov)
  • Pregnancy accommodation: One‑page request, provider note if needed, and a list of workable options (seating, schedule, lifting limits). Use Colorado statute examples. (law.justia.com)
  • Pumping plan: Break schedule aligned with paid rests, location that’s private and not a bathroom, and a backup room. Cite CO law. (cdle.colorado.gov)
  • LEAP/Energy: Current bill, ID, proof of income, and crisis notice. Apply via LEAP and call 1‑866‑432‑8435. (cdhs.colorado.gov)
  • CCCAP: Pay stubs, work/school schedule, child info, and provider choice. Start at CCCAP for Families. (cdec.colorado.gov)

If Your Application Gets Denied

County-Specific Variations You’ll Notice

Tables You Can Use Right Now

Colorado Leave and Accommodation Snapshot

Topic Key Right Where to Use It
Pregnancy accommodations Reasonable changes so you can keep working; no forced leave if an accommodation works Colorado CADA pregnancy accommodation; EEOC PWFA
Paid leave 12 weeks paid, +4 for complications; job protection after 180 days FAMLI vs FMLA; My FAMLI+
Sick time 1 per 30 hours, up to 48 per year; paid HFWA overview; INFO #6B
Pumping Reasonable breaks + private space; CO covers up to 2 years CO Nursing Parents; PUMP Act

2025 Minimum Wage Reference (State + Local)

Area Standard Tipped Source
Statewide (if no local) $14.81 $11.79 CDLE annual minimums
Denver $18.81 $15.79 Denver Labor
Unincorporated Boulder County $16.57 $13.55 Boulder County
City of Boulder $15.57 $12.55 City of Boulder

Who to Call When Pay or Leave Is Blocked

Issue First Call Backup
FAMLI delay/denial FAMLI Customer Service 1‑866‑263‑2654 Appeals/Job Protection
Sick time/pumping violations CDLE Labor Standards WHD Denver 1‑866‑487‑9243
Discrimination CCRD complaint EEOC Denver

Health and Feeding Supports

Need Where Link
Medicaid coverage Health First Colorado Apply on PEAK
WIC food + lactation Colorado WIC Breastfeeding help
Breastfeeding peer groups La Leche League Mountain Plains USDA breastfeeding support

Emergency Bills and Child Care

Need Contact Link
Utility shutoff LEAP 1‑866‑432‑8435 Energy Outreach Colorado
Child care openings Colorado Shines CCCAP info

10 Helpful FAQs (Colorado‑Specific)

Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español

Esta sección fue producida con herramientas de traducción asistida por IA. Verifique los detalles por teléfono antes de aplicar.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

Important: This content is for general education in Colorado, not legal advice. Laws and program rules change. Always confirm with the agency before you apply or appeal using CDLE Labor Standards, FAMLI, and CCRD/EEOC. If you have an urgent safety or medical issue, call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1‑844‑493‑8255. (coloradocrisisservices.org)

Notes on recent updates and verification:

This is your one‑stop hub. Use the links. Keep a paper trail. And ask for help early.

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