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FMLA: who qualifies and what it covers

Job-protected leave, explained

Updated November 5, 2026 · Facts checked against the sources listed below

FMLA: who qualifies and what it covers. Job-protected leave, explained
You're likely eligible if you. Worked for your employer 12 months: They don't have to be in a row. Worked 1,250 hours in the last 12 months: Before your leave starts. Work where there are 50+ employees within 75 miles: Ask HR if your site meets it

WHO QUALIFIES

1. You're likely eligible if you...

  • Worked for your employer 12 monthsThey don't have to be in a row
  • Worked 1,250 hours in the last 12 monthsBefore your leave starts
  • Work where there are 50+ employees within 75 milesAsk HR if your site meets it

Source: U.S. Department of Labor.

Reasons FMLA covers. Your own serious health condition: Including recovery. Birth, adoption or foster placement: To bond with your child. Caring for a spouse, child or parent: With a serious health condition

WHY YOU CAN TAKE IT

2. Reasons FMLA covers

  • Your own serious health conditionIncluding recovery
  • Birth, adoption or foster placementTo bond with your child
  • Caring for a spouse, child or parentWith a serious health condition

Source: U.S. Department of Labor.

Up to 12 workweeks a year. Up to 12 workweeks in a 12-month period: For most reasons. Up to 26 workweeks for military caregivers: Caring for a servicemember. Sometimes taken in blocks or reduced hours: Ask HR how it works

HOW MUCH

3. Up to 12 workweeks a year

  • Up to 12 workweeks in a 12-month periodFor most reasons
  • Up to 26 workweeks for military caregiversCaring for a servicemember
  • Sometimes taken in blocks or reduced hoursAsk HR how it works

Source: U.S. Department of Labor.

Unpaid, but protected. FMLA leave is unpaid: PTO or state programs may help. Your job is protected: Same or an equivalent job. Your group health benefits continue: On the same terms

WHAT'S PROTECTED

4. Unpaid, but protected

  • FMLA leave is unpaidPTO or state programs may help
  • Your job is protectedSame or an equivalent job
  • Your group health benefits continueOn the same terms

Source: U.S. Department of Labor.

Before you need it. Ask HR for your employer's FMLA policy. Give notice as early as you can. Ask if your state has paid leave

YOUR NEXT STEPS

5. Before you need it

  • Ask HR for your employer's FMLA policy
  • Give notice as early as you can
  • Ask if your state has paid leave

Not legal advice. Talk to HR, your union rep or an employment lawyer. State laws may give you more.

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