Q&A

Who is entitled to FMLA leave to care for a child?

Who is entitled to FMLA leave to care for a child?

As we know, an employee is entitled to FMLA leave to care for a child with a serious health condition. Under the regulations, “child” is defined as a son or daughter who is: 1) under the age of 18; or 2) age 18 or older and “incapable of self-care because of a mental or physical disability” at the time that FMLA leave is to commence.

Can a grandparent take protected leave under the FMLA?

On its face, the FMLA does not allow grandparents to take protected leave to take care of their grandchildren. The FMLA provides protected leave to “care for the spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent, of the employee…” who suffers from a serious health condition.

What is a qualifying reason for FMLA leave?

Providing needed care to a son or daughter with a serious health condition is a qualifying reason for FMLA leave. The FMLA regulations define a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual.

Can a 18 year old take FMLA leave?

The definition of disability is used for FMLA purposes as part of the determination of whether an individual who is 18 years of age or older is a “son or daughter.” In order to take FMLA leave to care for a son or daughter who is 18 years of age or older, the adult child must have a disability and be incapable of self-care due to that disability.

What type of ‘care’ qualifies for FMLA leave?

Generally, the types of events that trigger FMLA protections include: The arrival of a new child in the family — whether by birth, adoption or foster care The care of a family member with a serious health condition The employee’s own serious health condition that prevents the employee from performing the essential job duties

When do you qualify for FMLA?

Employees qualify for FMLA leave if they have worked for their employer for at least 12 months, putting in 1,250 or more hours over the 12-month period. They also must work at a site, or within 75 miles of another site owned by their employer, that has at least 50 employees.

Can you get pay on FMLA and disability?

Yes, you can use FMLA leave and your short-term disability plan at the same time. FMLA is designed to protect your employment status, while short-term disability provides you with some of your lost income. This means that you can use these benefits simultaneously.

Does FMLA cover requiring to care for an adult?

The FMLA does not always cover caring for a child. It does cover care required for an adult child that has a serious disability. What qualifies can be a tricky legal issue, and it is wise to consult with a legal or FMLA specialist if you need to provide care to an adult child.

Can you take FMLA for the birth of a grandchild?

The answer is not as simple as you may think. An eligible employee may take FMLA leave for the birth of a son or daughter and to take care of the newborn child, but that provision does not apply to grandchildren. An employee can also take FML to care for the employee’s spouse, son, daughter,…

What does son or daughter of covered servicemember mean under FMLA?

Yes. Under the FMLA for military caregiver leave, a “son or daughter of a covered servicemember” means a covered servicemember’s biological, adopted, or foster child, stepchild, legal ward, or a child for whom the employee stood in loco parentis, and who is of any age.

Are parent in laws covered under FMLA?

And because parents are covered under the FMLA, your husband may have a right to take leave to care for his mom. Many states also have laws that provide for family leave, and those laws frequently differ from the federal law. A few allow leave to care for in-laws or relatives living in the household.

What family members qualify for FMLA?

The FMLA has a fairly strict definition of which relatives are included in your immediate family. The law defines immediate family members as spouses, parents, and minor children, including adopted and foster children who are newly placed into the family.

What medical conditions are covered under FMLA?

Chronic or long-term health conditions that are incurable or could incapacitate the patient for five or more days are considered serious health conditions. Diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, migraines, physical therapy and allergy treatments are some of the chronic or long-term health conditions covered by FMLA.