The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) makes it possible for professionals to balance their personal needs with their professional obligations. Under the FMLA, employees who have held their jobs for a minimum amount of time and work for companies that meet minimum size requirements can take leave in several situations.
A personal medical challenge, a loved one’s need for medical support or the addition of a new child to the family could all justify a request for FMLA leave. Typically, employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the FMLA per year.
In one special circumstance, additional leave may be available.
Military family members may require support
The FMLA makes it possible for a professional to provide hands-on support for a loved one facing medical challenges. Immediate family members, including spouses, children and parents, may rely on a professional for daily care.
Typically, professionals who are eligible for the FMLA can take 12 weeks of leave to support an immediate family member. However, the FMLA allows for additional leave in one special circumstance.
If the person in need of support is an active-duty military service member, then the total FMLA leave available for the year increases to 26 weeks of unpaid leave. That is roughly half a year of unpaid leave. In any other scenario, the maximum amount of leave possible is 12 weeks, regardless of the severity of the issue or the number of different challenges an individual faces in one year.
Seeking guidance about FMLA rights can help workers get the leave they deserve or hold employers accountable for violating their rights. Workers who qualify for FMLA leave should be able to take time off without facing any career consequences.
