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9 Things You Should Know Before Taking Sick or Family Leave

There may be a time when you have to leave work for an extended period due to illness or for family reasons. There are some things you need to know before you take this type of leave. Here is a list of nine things you should know before taking sick or family leave.

  1. Make sure you’re eligible.
    Before you plan to take sick or family leave, you need to be sure you're eligible to do so. Not everyone qualifies for sick leave, and if you do, it may only cover certain conditions. Also, according to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), private-sector companies with fewer than 50 employees are not legally obligated to offer sick or family leave. Ask your human resources department about your eligibility. 
  2. Understand your state's laws.
    Every state has its own laws regarding sick leave and family leave. It's important to look them up so you know your rights. Each government website offers information on the laws regarding leave under a different department. For instance, California covers the topic through the Department of Industrial Relations, while New York simply covers the topic on its home government website. Just make sure the website’s extension is ".gov" for accurate information.
  3. Know how much you'll have to pay on your own.
    Not every state gives you paid leave. Some states will provide unpaid leave or may provide only a small amount of money. If or how much you receive depends on the company you work for and the state in which you live.
  4. Inquire about the length of leave possible.
    Like everything else, each company and state has regulations as to how long you can be gone. FMLA gives most mothers-to-be a maximum of 12 weeks of leave, although there may be certain stipulations with your company.
  5. Ask what your job status will be when you return.
    One thing people may not understand is that while you'll have employment when your leave ends (if you're eligible for leave), you may not have the same position or the same pay you had when you left. Before you take leave, inquire about what your job status will be when you return to work. 
  6. Know your company's terms.
    Some companies have terms set on medical or family leave. They will require you to do certain things, such as save receipts for everything you purchase while you're gone. You may also have to get doctor's notes and proof of illness.
  7. Know that you may get additional time to care for a military service member.
    Those who need leave to take care of an ill or injured military service member can receive extra time. If you need to care for a service member, you may request up to 26 weeks of leave. Again, this leave may come with stipulations.
  8. Inquire about notification requirements.
    According to FMLA, you must give at least 30 days notice if the need for leave is foreseeable. Your employer may have extra requirements that require up to two months notice before you can take family or sick leave. Give as much notice as you possibly can. 
  9. Understand the regulations for spouses who work together and need leave.
    Spouses who work for the same employer may have difficulty taking sick or maternity/paternity leave at the same time. FMLA regulations state that spouses might not necessarily be able to take 12 weeks each to deal with the same issue at the same time. Your employer may also have other regulations in place, so inquire about leave for spouses.
Last Updated: February 08, 2016