FMLA and family or medical leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act lets eligible employees of covered employers take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for certain family and medical reasons, with group health benefits continued. Many states have additional leave laws.
Who is covered?
Private employers with 50 or more employees in 20 or more workweeks in the current or prior year, public agencies, and schools. Employees generally need 12 months of service, 1,250 hours in the prior 12 months, and to work where the employer has 50 employees within 75 miles.
Is FMLA leave paid?
FMLA leave itself is unpaid. Some states have paid leave programs, and employers may have paid leave policies.
Can leave be taken a few hours at a time?
For some reasons, yes, when medically necessary. This is called intermittent or reduced-schedule leave.
Official sources to check
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and differ by state and city. Last reviewed October 2026. How answers are made
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