Family Medical Leave Act: Protect Your Job While You are Caring for Your Child

The Family Medical Leave Act protects you from losing your job as you care for your child. The two most common types of FMLA are continuous and intermittent. You may need to take FMLA while your child is in the hospital or for your child's medical care.

What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

• FMLA is a federal law that protects covered employers from losing their job in order to care for a family member with medical needs.

• FMLA provides up to 12 weeks, unpaid leave in a 12-month period. In some states, employees on FMLA are paid through state funding. Discuss with your employer if your FMLA is paid or unpaid.

Who is eligible?

• Any company which employs more than 50 people must provide 12 weeks of unpaid leave as outlined by FMLA.

• Every employer has different eligibility requirements. Contact your HR department to find out if you are eligible for FMLA.

How can I apply for FMLA?

• Ask your human resources department if your company has a specific FMLA form that needs to be completed. If your company uses its own form, you'll need to provide a copy to your healthcare team to complete.

• FMLA usually gets renewed every 6 or 12 months.

How can I find out more about FMLA?

Visit the Department of Labor for more information.

Questions?

Please contact your healthcare team through your MyCHOP portal if you have any questions about FMLA paperwork.

Reviewed on February 23, 2023, by Liam Mulligan, LCSW