The Eligible Reasons For FMLA Leave

3/5/2026

The FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for:

• Birth of a child and bonding. For related prenatal or postpartum needs, employers should also refer to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
• Placement of a child for adoption or foster care
• Care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
• Employee's own serious health condition. This often intersects with disability leave management and ADA accommodations.
• Qualifying exigencies for a military family member
• (26 weeks) to care for a covered service member with a serious injury/illness

To ensure all statutory requirements are met, human resources compliance training courses are recommended for all HR Generalists.