Colorado Revised Statutes Title 24. Government State § 24-51-1736. Eligibility for survivor benefits

(I) Absence on sabbatical leave or on a leave for restoration of health on a half-salary basis for periods during which contributions are paid shall be deemed continuous employment within the meaning of sections 24-51-1736 to 24-51-1746 and included in the required five-year period. Time absent from employment because of leave other than sabbatical leave or a leave for restoration of health on a half-salary basis and time absent from employment because of a permitted absence not constituting a termination of regular employment shall be disregarded and for the purposes of sections 24-51-1736 to 24-51-1746 shall not be deemed either an interruption of service or included in the required five-year period.

(II) If the deceased member was retired for disability on or after July 1, 1962, and was a contributing member upon the effective date of disability retirement, the requirement of five years of service prior to death shall be waived.