Can I take FMLA leave for a family member's illness?
Yes, you can take FMLA leave for a family member’s illness in North Carolina. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that requires employers to provide employees 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain qualifying reasons. One of those reasons includes the serious illness of a family member, such as a spouse, parent, child, or a relative with whom the employee lives. In North Carolina, the state does not have a separate family medical leave law, however employers must follow the guidelines and requirements of the federal FMLA. The FMLA offers unpaid leave in order to attend to the illness of a family member, allowing employees the ability to take time off of work to care for their loved ones. In order to be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months prior to the start of the leave. Additionally, the employee must have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours for the employer in the past 12 months. Employees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave over a 12-month period for a qualifying family member’s illness. The leave must be taken consecutively or intermittently, and the employee may not be required to use paid leave days for the time off in order to be eligible for the FMLA. In North Carolina, employers are required to comply with the provisions of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, which allows employees to take FMLA leave for a family member’s illness. Employees must meet the eligibility requirements and follow the guidelines of the FMLA in order to be allowed to take the leave.
Related FAQs
What types of events are covered under the FMLA?Does the FMLA guarantee job protection for an employee returning from active military service?
Can I take FMLA leave for an employee's death or for bereavement?
Does the FMLA cover self-care or preventive care leave?
Can I take FMLA leave for the birth or adoption of my child?
Can I take FMLA leave to care for a family member with an illness that requires intermittent medical treatment?
How does the FMLA affect my employer's benefits plans?
What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
Can I take FMLA leave to care for a newborn or adopted child?
Does the FMLA cover absences due to severe weather or natural disasters?
Related Blog Posts
FMLA Law: What You Need to Know About Your Rights - July 31, 2023Navigating the FMLA Leave Process: A Step-By-Step Guide - August 7, 2023
Employee Eligibility Requirements for FMLA Leave - August 14, 2023
Understanding How FMLA Leave Works in Your State - August 21, 2023
Explanation of Eligible Uses for FMLA Leave - August 28, 2023