Can I take FMLA leave for the birth or adoption of my child?
Yes, you can take FMLA leave for the birth or adoption of your child in Washington. According to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), an employee with a newborn or recently adopted child is entitled to up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave to care for the child. This leave is available for the birth or adoption of a child within one year of the event. Washington law also allows for bond with a newborn, adopted, or foster child, which allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period. This leave is available even if the employee has not been employed in the same position for a full year, as long as they have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the leave. Employees taking FMLA leave in Washington may be eligible for state paid family and medical leave benefits. This leave must be taken in addition to the 12 weeks of unpaid leave provided by the FMLA. Under this program, employees can receive up to 90% of their wages up to a maximum of $1,000 per week and a maximum of 12 weeks of leave in any 12-month period. Employers covered under FMLA must provide employees with at least 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. Employees may also be eligible for state paid family and medical leave benefits in addition to the leave provided by the FMLA.
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