Juggling work and family life can be a challenge, especially when unexpected medical needs arise. Fortunately, California offers robust family medical leave (FML) laws to support employees during these times. Whether you need to care for a loved one or address your own health concerns, understanding your FML rights can provide crucial peace of mind.
What is Family Medical Leave?
Family medical leave allows eligible employees to take time off work for specified family or medical reasons while retaining their job and benefits. In California, two main laws govern FML:
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): This law applies to employers with 50 or more employees and grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for:
The birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child
A serious health condition of the employee
Caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
Qualifying exigencies arising from a family member’s military deployment
The California Family Rights Act (CFRA): This state law mirrors the FMLA but expands the definition of “family” to include registered domestic partners and provides additional leave for pregnancy-related disability.
Who is Eligible for FML in California?
To be eligible for FML in California, you must:
Work for a covered employer (50 or more employees for FMLA, 5 or more for CFRA)
Have worked for the employer for at least 12 months
Have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months before the leave
How Much Leave Can I Take?
Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year under both FMLA and CFRA. However, CFRA offers additional leave for pregnancy-related disability.
How to Apply for FML in California
Notify your employer: Give your employer at least 30 days’ notice if the leave is foreseeable. If it’s not, notify them as soon as possible.
Provide medical certification: If your leave is due to a serious health condition, your employer may require medical certification.
Important Considerations
Paid or unpaid: FML in California is generally unpaid. However, you can use accrued paid time off (vacation, sick leave) during your FML.
Job protection: Upon return from FML, you’re entitled to be restored to your previous job or an equivalent position.
Health insurance: Your employer must continue your health insurance coverage during your FML.
Additional California Programs
California also offers paid family leave (PFL) and short-term disability insurance (SDI) programs, providing partial wage replacement for certain family or medical leaves.
Know Your Rights and Seek Help
Navigating family medical leave can be complex. If you have questions or face issues, don’t hesitate to:
Consult your employer’s HR department: They can guide you through the FML process.
Seek legal advice: An employment law attorney can help protect your rights.
Contact the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH): They enforce FML laws and can provide information and assistance.
Taking FML is Your Right
Remember, taking family medical leave is your right, not a privilege. By understanding the laws and procedures, you can confidently prioritize your family’s well-being or your own health without jeopardizing your job.
