How much leave can employees take under FMLA?
Most eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of leave during a 12-month period. Under a 2008 amendment, eligible employees can take up to 26 weeks of leave during a 12-month period if they need to care for an injured or ill family member employed by the Armed Forces. • Does FMLA guarantee paid time off? No. FMLA only requires covered companies to provide unpaid time off. However, the law allows employees to use accrued paid leave – such as vacation or sick leave – for some or all of the time off for FMLA leave. • Can my employer refuse to grant me FMLA leave? No, not if you are an eligible employee who has met FMLA’s notice and certification requirements and if you have not exhausted your FMLA leave entitlement for the year. • Can I lose my job if I take FMLA leave? Usually, no. According to the U.S. Department of Justice: “It is unlawful for any employer to interfere with or restrain or deny the exercise of any right provided under this law. Employers cannot use the taking of FMLA
