It is not uncommon for an employee to have questions about the Family and Medical Leave Act. There are times when a person wants to take advantage of the benefits available to him or her, but is unsure of how to move forward or whether or not it could lead to trouble with an employer in the future.
Here are three of the most frequently asked FMLA questions:
— Can I use FMLA leave during pregnancy?
As long as you are eligible for FMLA under your employer, the answer is yes. You can use 12 weeks of leave for the birth of a child or care following delivery.
— What does the FMLA consider a serious health condition?
As you read through the regulations of the FMLA, you will often come across the phrase “serious health condition.” This is defined as an injury, illness, or impairment that involvements continuing treatment by a medical professional or inpatient care.
— Am I eligible for FMLA leave?
Not only does your employer have to qualify, but you do as well. This means you work at a location with 50 or more employees (or this number of employees within 75 miles), you have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours during the prior 12 months, and have worked for the company for a minimum of 12 months.
These are the types of FMLA frequently asked questions that often come to the forefront. As an employee, you should know your rights, including those granted by the Family and Medical Leave Act. This could come in handy if you find yourself needing to take a leave.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, “Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About the Revisions to the Family and Medical Leave Act,” accessed April. 30, 2015
