On January 16, 2009, new Family and Medical Leave Act regulations went into effect. While it has been a few years since these changes, some people don’t fully understand what is available to them in terms of FMLA.
Here are some of the most common FMLA questions, all of which should be addressed if you feel that you need to take time away from work:
— Are you permitted to use FMLA leave during pregnancy or following the birth of a child? As long as you qualify for leave through your employer, this remains one of the top reasons to take FMLA leave.
— Can you use FMLA to deal with a serious health concern? If you are being treated for a chronic and serious health condition, such as cancer, you can use FMLA.
— What qualifies as a serious health condition? While you may think you have a serious health condition, you need to make sure it actually qualifies under FMLA. This is defined as an illness or injury that involves continuing treatment or inpatient care.
These are just a few of the most common questions associated with the Family and Medical Leave Act. If you have any others, it is a good idea to answer them immediately. It is best to know what you are up against before making a claim in hopes of being able to take a leave.
Every year, employers throughout the country take FMLA leave. If you qualify for leave and feel that this is the best decision, you should not hesitate to take full advantage. It is your right to do so.
Source: United States Department of Labor, “Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About the Revisions to the Family and Medical Leave Act,” accessed April 19, 2016