Connecticut
Department of Labor

Connecticut Department Of Labor

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Updated: July 24

CT FMLA and CT Paid Leave Appeals Main Page

 

FILING A PAID LEAVE APPEAL

 

  

Who can file a CT Paid Leave Appeal?
  • You may file an appeal if you applied for CT Paid Leave benefits and received a final decision denying you compensation from the CT Paid Leave Authority or your employer’s private plan.
  • You may also file an appeal if the CT Paid Leave Authority assessed a penalty against you.
  • You may only appeal a final decision. If you have not yet applied for benefits, or if you have not yet received a final decision, please contact the CT Paid Leave Authority.
  • Please note that CTPL benefits are different than short term disability benefits and unpaid FMLA leave. CTDOL does not handle appeals of a denial of short-term disability benefits. For information on appealing a denial of FMLA leave, visit the CT Family & Medical Leave Act and CT Paid Leave Appeals page. 

 

How do I file a CT Paid Leave appeal?

 

What if I don't have a computer or regular access to email?
  • The Portal to file a paid leave appeal will work on a smartphone. You may also visit your local American Job Center and use a computer there to access the Portal and file an appeal.
  • When you file your appeal in the Portal, you can choose to get notices by U.S. mail instead of email.
  • If you are unable to file an appeal on the Portal, please call CTDOL’s Paid Leave Appeal line at (860) 263-6970 for assistance in filing a paper appeal by mail or by fax.
  • Individuals who are unable to submit an appeal on the Portal will have to receive notices by U.S. mail and not email.

 

How do I create a user account to file an appeal on the CT Paid Leave Portal?

  • Once at the Portal login page, scroll to the bottom and select the Sign In Now! link. That will bring you the page where you will provide the information necessary to set up a user account.

 

Why am I getting an error message when logging into the Portal?

  • Make sure you are logging in with a user account you created on this Portal or on another ct.gov portal. You will get an error message if you are trying to log into the Portal without first creating a user account.
  • Make sure you are spelling your username or email address exactly as you entered it when creating your user account. You will get an error message if the username or email address you are trying to login with is spelt incorrectly.
  • Try logging in from a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc.).
  • If you believe you are correctly entering your login information and have tried logging in from a different browser, but are still receiving an error message, you must contact the Appeals Division at (860) 263-6970.

 

When should I file a CT Paid Leave appeal?
  • Your appeal must be received no later than the twenty-first (21st) calendar day after the date of the final denial or penalty decision. If filed by mail, your appeal must be postmarked by the 21st day.
  • If you have requested reconsideration of a denial decision with the Authority or your employer’s private plan, you should not appeal until you receive a final decision after reconsideration.

 

It's been more than twenty-one days since the decision. Can I still appeal?
  • You can file a late appeal if you have good cause for missing the deadline. You will be asked to explain and provide any documentation to show why your appeal was late. If you do not do so your appeal will be dismissed.

 

What is the difference between requesting reconsideration and filing an appeal? Can I do both at the same time?
  • When you request reconsideration, the CT Paid Leave Authority, or your employer’s private plan, will review your application again to make sure the decision was correct.
  • You should not request reconsideration and file an appeal at the same time. CTDOL cannot process your appeal while a reconsideration request is pending.
  • You do not have to request reconsideration before filing an appeal. However, requesting reconsideration first may resolve your claim without the need for an appeal.
  • If you are denied again after reconsideration, you will have 21 days from the final decision to file an appeal.

 

Do I need my denial letter to file an appeal?
  • No, you may file an appeal without the denial letter.  However, it has important information about your claim. You should upload it if you are able, to avoid possible delays in reviewing your appeal.

 

Do I need a lawyer to file a CT Paid Leave appeal?
  • You do not need a lawyer to file a CT Paid Leave appeal. If you do hire a lawyer, they may file the appeal for you on the Portal. Information on filing an appeal on someone’s behalf can be found here. 

 

 

AFTER A CT PAID LEAVE APPEAL HAS BEEN FILED 

 

 

What happens next after the appeal has been filed?
  • The CT Paid Leave Authority or private plan employer will get notice that an appeal has been filed and that they must upload the file record into the portal.

 

What is the "file record"?
  • The file record is all the documents and information the CT Paid Leave Authority, or private plan employer, relied on when making their decision. It also includes the application for benefits and every decision letter issued in the claim.

 

Will there be a hearing on the appeal?
  • Most appeals will be decided based on a review of the file record. In some cases, if the appeal can’t be decided based on the file record, CTDOL may schedule a hearing or request additional documentation. In most cases, any hearing will be held over the telephone.
  • If a hearing is scheduled, the hearing notice will be posted to the documentation section of your appeal on the Portal. You will be notified of the new document at the email address you provided.

 

What should I do if I cannot attend a scheduled hearing?
  • You must call the CT Paid Leave Appeals line at (860) 263-6970, as far in advance of the hearing date as possible to request a postponement. You may also upload a written postponement request through the Portal.
  • If you miss the hearing without contacting CTDOL in advance, you will not have another opportunity for a hearing unless you can show good cause for your failure to participate in the hearing.

 

I've changed my mind - can I withdraw my appeal?
  • Yes. CTDOL requires a withdrawal request to be made in writing. The easiest way to submit a withdrawal request is through the Portal. You can click the Withdraw button under the Manage Appeal tab of your appeal or upload a document with your written withdrawal request in the Documentation section of your appeal.
  • CTDOL cannot accept a withdrawal request by telephone.

 

How will I be informed of the appeal decision?
  • The decision will be posted on the Portal in the documentation section of your appeal. You will be notified by email that a new document has been uploaded if you receive communications by email. If you receive communications by mail, CTDOL will mail a copy of the mailing decision to the address you provided.

 

The CT Paid Leave appeal decision was not in my favor, and I do not agree with the decision. Can I appeal again?

  • You may file a motion to reopen CTDOL’s decision, or you may file an appeal to Superior Court, within the 30 days following the decision. 
  • A motion to reopen may be filed through the Portal and must explain why the decision should be reopened. If the reason is new evidence, the motion should explain what the evidence is, why it wasn’t presented before, and why it would change the decision.
  • You can file one motion to reopen. If your motion is denied and you do not agree with the decision, you must appeal to Superior Court.
  • Effective July 1, 2024, a Superior Court appeal must be filed with CTDOL. Such an appeal must be in writing and state the grounds on which judicial review of the appeal decision is sought.
  • The easiest way to file a Superior Court appeal with CTDOL is to electronically submit it on the Portal. It may also be filed via fax to (860) 706-5767, via regular mail or in person to 38 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109. 
  • If no motion to reopen or Superior Court appeal is filed within 30 days of the appeals decision, the decision will become final.
  • A motion to reopen may be filed after the decision becomes final if good cause is shown for why the motion is late.