Can you qualify for FMLA for anxiety?

If you have an anxiety disorder, there is a good chance that your condition qualifies you for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 1 You may find that your symptoms worsen while under stress or become more difficult to control during certain times of the year.

When to use FMLA for stress and mental illness?

FMLA covers stress or stress related conditions. FMLA can protect those suffering from extreme stress or mental illness if symptoms impact the ability to function. Just as FMLA cannot protect someone who is suffering from the common cold, it cannot be used for mild to moderate cases of anxiety, depression, stress, or other psychological issues.

What does an employer have to do with FMLA?

Under the FMLA, an employer must maintain health benefits during the leave period. An employee may be required to continue to pay his or her share of the medical benefits premium during the leave. An employer must also provide job restoration upon an employee’s return from an FMLA leave.

When to apply for family and Medical Leave Act?

If you have an anxiety disorder, there is a good chance that your condition is chronic, qualifying you for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). You may find that your symptoms worsen while under stress or become more difficult to control during certain times of the year.

How many weeks of unpaid leave can you get under the FMLA?

The Federal Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows qualifying employees of up 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year. It is a protected leave that protects your job during absence from work. It also helps maintain employee benefits during your leave.

Is depression and anxiety covered under FMLA?

FMLA does not mention depression or anxiety specifically. It allows for leave for a “serious health condition”. “Serious health condition” means an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves:  any period of incapacity or treatment connected…

Can anxiety fall under FMLA?

Sometimes stress leave may not quality for short term disability, but anxiety or depression could qualify for leave under the FMLA depending on circumstances. If depression or anxiety is a concern, you could be eligible to collect income assistance such as unemployment compensation or disability insurance via social security.

Can an employer force you to take FMLA?

Employees do not technically have the right to choose when they take FMLA leave. If the employer becomes aware that the leave is FMLA-qualifying, it can force you to use FMLA leave if it is available to you, even if you request to use PTO or vacation time before taking FMLA.

Do I have to take my FMLA all at once?

Whether you are unable to work because of your own serious health condition, or because you need to care for your parent, spouse, or child with a serious health condition, the FMLA provides unpaid, job-protected leave. Leave may be taken all at once, or may be taken intermittently as the medical condition requires.