What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that guarantees certain employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. It also requires employers to provide employees of New Hampshire with certain rights and protections. Specifically, when an employee needs to take time off for a qualified family and medical reason—which can include caring for a newborn baby, dealing with a serious health condition, or addressing certain military-related issues—the employer must continue their health benefits, allow them to return to their job or a similar job at the end of their leave period, and not retaliate against them for taking leave. Employees are also prohibited from retaliating against other employees who take leave. There are a few qualifications an employee must meet in order to take FMLA leave. First, they must work for an eligible employer. This includes private companies with 50 or more employees; public agencies, including federal, state, and local governments; or elementary and secondary schools. Additionally, employees must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months before taking leave, and must have 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before taking leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act provides employees with important job and healthcare protections. It ensures that employees are not penalized for taking leave when necessary, and are able to return to their job when their leave period is over.

Related FAQs

Does the FMLA guarantee reinstatement of an employee's job after FMLA leave?
Does the FMLA cover job-protected leave for employees with a qualifying exigency related to their spouse's deployment?
What documents do I need to provide to request FMLA leave?
Can I take FMLA leave for my own illness?
Is an employee responsible for any costs associated with returning to work after FMLA leave?
How much notice do I have to provide my employer before taking FMLA leave?
Can FMLA leave be taken on an intermittent basis?
How do I file a complaint if my FMLA rights are violated?
How does the FMLA affect my employer's benefits plans?
Does the FMLA provide job protection for employees affected by the closure of a business?

What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts