Is FMLA a leave of absence?

FMLA requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons. Visit Time Off & Leaves of Absence for additional information. Reasons for Taking Leave. Unpaid leave must be granted for any of the following reasons.

When was the family and Medical Leave Act ( FMLA ) enacted?

Enacted in 1993, FMLA requires certain companies to provide employees unpaid leave for issues related to family (such as caring for a newborn or adopted child) or health issues (your own or a family member’s). However, not all employers need to adhere to FMLA, and not all employees are eligible.

How many weeks of unpaid leave do you have under FMLA?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave a year, and requires group health benefits to be maintained during the leave as if employees continued to work instead of taking leave.

When does an employer have to notify an employee of FMLA?

Under the regulations, an employer must notify an employee whether leave will be designated as FMLA leave within five business days of learning that the leave is being taken for a FMLA-qualifying reason, absent extenuating circumstances.

Do you need to mention FMLA in an absence request?

Before you go deleting those messages, however, remember that employers should not lose sight of the longstanding admonition that employees do not need to specifically mention FMLA in an absence request and that employers have a duty to inquire further into a potential FMLA leave request if warranted by an employee’s statements.

Who is not eligible to take FMLA leave?

there are not 50 employees within 75 miles of where you work, you will not be eligible to take FMLA leave. Airline Flight Attendants/Flight Crew Employees Due to non-traditional work schedules, airline flight attendants and flight crew members are subject to special eligibility requirements under the FMLA.