Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Definition and Overview
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal regulation that allows qualified employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specific medical or family-related reasons. During this period, employers offering health insurance are required to continue providing coverage under the same terms as if the employee were actively working.
Key Details About the FMLA
To qualify for FMLA leave, the employee must work for a covered employer. Typically, this includes private-sector employers with 50 or more employees. While smaller employers (fewer than 50 workers) are not required to follow FMLA at the federal level, some may still be subject to state-specific medical or paid family leave (PFL) regulations.
In addition to standard leave, eligible employees may receive up to 26 weeks of military caregiver leave per year to care for a spouse, parent, or child serving in the military who has a serious injury or illness.
Common Reasons for Taking FMLA Leave
FMLA can be used in a variety of personal and family circumstances, including:
- The birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care
- Caring for a spouse, parent, or child with a serious medical condition
- The employee’s own serious health condition that makes them unable to perform essential job duties
Tools like Beyond can assist employers in tracking and managing FMLA leave, helping ensure compliance with federal and applicable state laws while maintaining proper payroll and benefits documentation.
FMLA provides critical protections for workers during major life events, while also setting clear expectations for employers regarding leave entitlements and continued healthcare coverage.