Family and Medical Leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year to care for themselves, or for a seriously ill family member, or for a new child without losing their jobs or health care insurance. Some states have additional benefits, such as paid family leave.
Department of Labor:
(866) 487-2365
National Partnership for Women and Families:
(202) 986-2600
Call the Wage and Hour Division's toll-free help line:
(866) 487-9243
Eligible workers must:
- Work at companies with 50 or more employees at or within 75 miles of the work site
- Have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12-months prior to taking leave
Workers can take leave to care for:
- An ill spouse, child, or parent (some states include additional family members)
- A new baby or adopted child
- Themselves when they have a serious illness