Q&A

How many weeks can an employer designate for FMLA?

How many weeks can an employer designate for FMLA?

An employer is also prohibited from designating more than 12 weeks of leave (or 26 weeks of military caregiver leave) as FMLA leave. Providing additional leave (such as paid sick leave or PTO) outside of the employer’s FMLA leave policy cannot expand an employee’s entitlement to leave under the FMLA.

How often can you request Medical recertification for FMLA?

Generally speaking, employers are only allowed to request medical recertification during FMLA leave every 30 days, when the employee’s initial leave request was for an unknown duration. However, if the initial leave request indicated a specific time period, then the 30-day rule would not apply.

Can you require employees taking FMLA leave to follow your procedures?

Although an employer cannot deny FMLA leave if the employee provides verbal notice of the need for FMLA leave and articulates an unusual circumstance as to why he or she could not follow proper procedures, requiring the employee to put a leave request in writing and return it to human resources tends to deter gaming of the system. 2.

Do you get paid for FMLA time off?

Some employers may allow you to have paid time off during your FMLA leave, and all of them must provide you with a statement of your rights and responsibilities under the federal law. If an employer requests certification from a medical provider to permit FMLA leave, you must provide that information within 15 days.

When does an employer know of an FMLA request?

An employer may learn of a request for FMLA leave when the employee submits a request or when the employer acquires knowledge that an employee needs leave that may be for an FMLA-qualifying reason.

When does an employer have to designate time off for FMLA?

When an eligible employee takes time off for an FMLA-qualifying reason, the employer is required to designate the absence as FMLA leave and give written notice of the designation to the employee.

How many weeks of unpaid leave can I take under the FMLA?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. Eligible employees may take up to 12 weeks of leave (26 weeks for military caregiver leave) each year for FMLA-qualifying reasons.

How long does it take to get FMLA certification?

This certification must be completed by a medical provider and the employee has 15 calendar days to provide the completed form back to the employer. This will give you the information needed to determine if the leave meets the requirements for a qualifying leave of absence.