The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Department of Labor enforces the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This act allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for personal medical reasons or to care for family.

Benefits of the FMLA

The FMLA allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in 12 months for qualifying life events. Your employer must protect your job and access to your group health benefits while you are on leave.

Eligibility for the FMLA

Not all employees are eligible for the FMLA. You must work for a covered organization to take FMLA leave. The FMLA covers:

• Private organizations with at least 50 employees
• All government agencies and public and private elementary and secondary schools

Even if your employer is covered by FMLA rules, you are not automatically eligible for FMLA leave. All of these criteria must be met to qualify for FMLA leave: