Can I take leave to care for my unwell child?

| May 20, 2019 | Family and Medical Leave Act

Some things will always be more important than your career or financial income. One of these things is the health of your child. If your child is unwell for a significant period of time, it is likely that you will want to take time off in order to care for them. This care may be in the form of tending to their needs at home. Additionally, you may be required to attend hospital visits and surgeries with them.

You will be entitled to job-protected unpaid leave to care for your child if you are a Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) eligible employee. It is important that you verify whether you are FMLA-eligible in advance of taking leave so that you can enforce your rights when necessary.

Verifying whether you are FMLA-eligible

You will only be entitled to the benefits of the FMLA when you have worked for your employer for a minimum of 12 months. In addition, you must have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours over the last year. You also need to be employed in a place where 50 other people are employed by your company in a 75-mile radius.

Understanding your rights under the FMLA

If you are eligible for FMLA leave, this means that you will be able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in order to care for a family member, or for other personal reasons. This leave is protected, meaning that your employer cannot retaliate against you as a result.

If you want to understand your rights as a working parent, it is important that you conduct thorough research and make sure to take action if you believe your rights have been violated.