Life events happen that necessitate employees needing to take time away from work to care for themselves or their family members. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) helps by providing job-protected leave when it’s needed most. Knowing how FMLA works — along with other benefits like short-term disability — can help make a difficult time a little less stressful, both financially and emotionally.
Here’s an overview on FMLA and related benefits to help your finances and benefits work for you even when you’re not working.
Understanding FMLA
The FMLA allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for specific family and medical reasons, while maintaining their job protection. This federal law applies to all public agencies, public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies with 50 or more employees.1
Qualifying reasons for FMLA leave
FMLA leave can be taken for the following reasons:1
- The birth of a child or to bond with a newborn within one year of birth
- The placement of a child for adoption or foster care and to bond with the newly placed child within one year of placement
- To care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
- A serious health condition that makes you unable to perform your job
- Any qualifying exigency arising because a spouse, child, or parent is a military member on covered active duty
FMLA eligibility requirements
To qualify for FMLA leave, you must meet the following criteria:1
- Work for a covered employer
- Have worked for the employer for at least 12 months (not necessarily consecutively)
- Have completed at least 1,250 hours of work in the 12 months prior to the leave
- Work at a location where the employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles
- Qualifying reasons for FMLA leave
How to apply for FMLA leave
To apply for FMLA leave:
- Notify your employer at least 30 days in advance if the need for leave is foreseeable
- Submit a completed FMLA request form, available from your employer or the Department of Labor’s website
- Provide medical certification if required by your employer
Using additional employee benefits
Employee benefits can play a crucial role in supporting your financial and physical well-being during periods of leave. Familiarize yourself with your employer's benefits to ensure you’re utilizing them to best meet your needs during your time away.
Short-term disability
Short-term disability insurance provides partial wage replacement if you're unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. While FMLA provides job protection, short-term disability can offer financial support during your leave.
Health insurance
Ensure you understand your health insurance coverage, especially regarding medical leave. Under FMLA, employers are required to maintain your health benefits during your leave as if you were still working.
Supplemental health insurance
You might have great health insurance through your employer. However, many people aren’t prepared for the out-of-pocket medical costs and living expenses that come with an accident, the diagnosis of critical illness or hospital visit. Supplemental health insurance can help.
Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
Employee assistance programs (EAPs) offer confidential counseling and referral services to help you manage personal and work-related challenges. These programs can provide valuable support during medical leave.
Make informed decisions
Navigating FMLA, short-term disability and employee benefits can be complex, but understanding these resources can help you make informed decisions. By leveraging these benefits and maintaining an emergency savings account, you can manage your financial and emotional well-being more effectively. For more information, consult your employer's human resources department or visit the U.S. Department of Labor's website.
