Vermont Voluntary Family and Medical Leave Insurance (VT FMLI)

What Is VT FMLI?

Vermont’s paid family and medical program is a voluntary state program which has access to benefits from the employer or an individual pool sold directly to workers. It is an insurance policy that provides enrolled employees with partially paid time off for qualifying personal medical and family needs. Employers may choose between a 6-week plan up to a 26-week plan. The employee individual pool is set at the 6-week plan. The entitlement is based on the qualifying event listed below.

Eligible reasons for VT benefits include:

• FMLI (full coverage)
  • Employee’s own serious health condition including recovery from childbirth
  • Bonding leave to care for a new child, including birth, adoption, or foster placement
  • Caring for a family member with a serious health condition or communicable disease/quarantined, including a:
    • Child
    • Parent
    • Spouse
  • Military Exigency
• FLI only (great compliment to STD)
  • Bonding leave to care for a new child, including birth, adoption, or foster placement
  • Caring for a family member with a serious health condition or communicable disease/quarantined, including a:
    • Child
    • Parent
    • Spouse
  • Military Exigency

What Is The Weekly Paid Benefit Under VT FMLI?

In 2026, the maximum weekly benefit can be customized similar to your STD insured coverages

Is VT FMLI Job‑Protected?

No, VT FMLI benefits are not job protected, but they are designed to provide wage replacement benefits that align with the federal FMLA-Family Medical Leave Act protections.

Which Employers Are Required To Provide VT FMLI?

VT FMLI is not a state mandate.

How Much Does VT FMLI Cost?

Unlike other states, Vermont has selected The Hartford as its partner for their program.

Group Plans

• Plans can be 100% funded by the employer or employee or a cost share arrangement.
• Employer plans have a selection of variable features that best suit their needs and therefore the illustrative quotes can vary.

Individual Pool

• If a Vermont employer does not have VT FMLI coverage or equivalent benefits, an employee may purchase individual coverage from the state. The State is the policyholder and each individual will receive a certificate.
  • Cost for the individual is underwritten with annual enrollment annually in May.

What Is A VT FMLI Private Plan?

A private plan is the only form of coverage for the Vermont program.

What Are The Advantages Of A Private Plan?

Vermont’s unique option for employees to purchase wage replacement benefits or participate in claims when an employee purchases wage replacement insurance individually from The Hartford.

Here are top of mind advantages for 100% employer paid VT FMLI plans.

1. Potential cost savings
   • Plans are individually underwritten, like other insured employer benefit coverages and non-contributory plans offer the best prices
   • No extra costs or time commitments for enrollment activities
   • Federal tax credits for employer paid premiums using the IRS PFML Tax credit
   • Consistent renewal pricing
2. Improved claims experience
   • Trusted claims administration and policyholder support
   • Access to dedicated claims professionals instead of call centers
3. Employer‑Level Absence Reporting
   • Visibility into claim status and approved leave dates
   • Especially helpful for tracking leaves taken intermittently

How Do I Apply For A Private Plan?

The DBL Center team supports both you and your clients throughout the entire private plan process.

Step 1: Request a Private Plan Quote
We compare private plan pricing, benefits, and service levels for basic coverage and a variety of funding options.

Required census details include:

• All Vermont employees including remote workers
• Gender
• Employment status (full‑time, part‑time, seasonal)
• Individual’s age
• Total Vermont wages (including overtime and bonuses)

Step 2: Select an Insurance Carrier

• The Hartford is the state’s partner offering a cost-effective solution.
• Since this is voluntary insurance, there is not a requirement to ask the state for private plan approval.

Why Choose DBL Center?

With 40 years of experience in state‑mandated disability and leave programs, The DBL Center is poised and ready to support your state needs. Let us be your trusted partner for navigating complex DBL/PFL requirements on behalf of our clients.

We provide:

• Expert support for the broker and clients due to the state voluntary and mandated state paid family and medical leave program that may impact workers and/or claims.
• Strategic views of state mandated benefits
• Ongoing service and support beyond the initial sale, through implementations and renewals
• Net Revenue Tracker enabling Broker access to their renewals, cancellations and book of business from anywhere.

Our goal is to deliver cost‑effective solutions with a seamless experience for both employers and employees.