For more than 20 years, the FMLA has guaranteed that people who work for employers with 50 or more employees within a certain radius can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a year to care for new children or seriously ill family members, or to recover from their own serious health conditions. In 2008 and 2009, the law was updated to reflect the care-giving needs of military families.
The Basics
1. When can I take family or medical leave under the FMLA?
If you are covered by the FMLA, you may take leave under the following circumstances:
* If you have a serious health condition;
* If you are caring for your new baby, or caring for a newly adopted or newly placed foster child;
* If you are caring for your child, spouse or parent with a serious health condition;
* If you are caring for a wounded service member or veteran; or
* If you need time away from your job to address particular circumstances arising from the deployment of a service member or a member of the armed forces.
The FMLA allows you to take time off (“leave”) without losing your job, your seniority or your employer-provided health insurance.
Note: You must work for an employer that is covered by the FMLA and meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for FMLA leave.
Please review the "Need Time?" employees guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act for more information.