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The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Form is an essential document for employees seeking time off for specific family or medical reasons. This form must be completed and submitted to the Human Resource Office to initiate the leave request process. Employees can request a full-time leave for various reasons, including the birth of a child, adoption, or caring for a family member with a serious health condition. Additionally, the form allows for intermittent or reduced-schedule leave, providing flexibility for those who may need to take time off in smaller increments. Employees can also indicate their preference for using paid leave options, such as vacation or sick hours, during their absence. It is important to provide accurate contact information, ensuring that communication remains open during the leave period. Completing this form accurately is crucial for a smooth approval process and to protect the employee’s rights under the FMLA.

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FMLA LEAVE REQUEST FORM

(The following request is to be completed and returned to the Human Resource Office)

EMPLOYEE REQUEST

Employee’s Name

Employee’s Department

Date

Request for Full-Time Leave

 

 

I request a leave of absence from

(date) to

(date)

for the following reason:

For birth of my child and/or to care for the newborn child.

For placement of a child with me for adoption or foster care.

To care for my (circle one): spouse, child or parent with a serious health condition. Name:

My own serious health condition.

For another reason. (Please specify):

Request for Intermittent or Reduced-Schedule Leave

I request intermittent leave or reduced-schedule leave at the following times:

Schedule:

Reason:

Substitution of Paid Leave

I request to use (check all that apply):

Paid Vacation

Sick Hours

Location During Leave

 

Other

I can be reached at the following address and phone number during my leave:

Employee Signature

Approved By

Date

© The Personnel Advisor

907

Form Specifications

Fact Name Description
Purpose of FMLA The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons.
Eligibility Criteria To qualify for FMLA leave, an employee must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months and have completed at least 1,250 hours of work in the past year.
Reasons for Leave Employees can request leave for the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a family member with a serious health condition, or for their own serious health condition.
Intermittent Leave FMLA leave can be taken intermittently, allowing employees to take leave in separate blocks of time rather than a single continuous period.
Paid Leave Substitution Employees may choose to substitute paid leave (such as vacation or sick leave) for unpaid FMLA leave, ensuring some income during their time off.
Notification Requirement Employees must notify their employer of the need for FMLA leave at least 30 days in advance when the leave is foreseeable.
State-Specific Forms Some states have additional requirements or specific forms for FMLA leave. For example, California's Family Rights Act governs similar leave rights.
Health Insurance Protection During FMLA leave, employers must maintain the employee's health insurance coverage under the same terms as if the employee had not taken leave.
Job Protection Upon returning from FMLA leave, employees are entitled to be reinstated to their original job or an equivalent position with the same pay and benefits.
FMLA Enforcement The U.S. Department of Labor enforces FMLA regulations, and employees can file complaints if their rights under the act are violated.

Fmla Leave: Usage Guidelines

Completing the FMLA Leave Request Form is an important step in securing your leave. Follow these steps carefully to ensure all necessary information is accurately provided. Once submitted, the Human Resource Office will review your request and inform you of the next steps.

  1. Fill in your personal details: Write your name and department at the top of the form.
  2. Specify the dates: Indicate the start and end dates for your requested leave.
  3. Select the reason for your leave: Choose one of the options provided, such as for the birth of a child, adoption, or to care for a family member. If your reason is not listed, specify it in the space provided.
  4. Indicate if you need intermittent or reduced-schedule leave: If applicable, specify the times and reasons for this type of leave.
  5. Choose paid leave options: Check all types of paid leave you wish to use, such as vacation or sick hours.
  6. Provide your contact information: Include your address and phone number where you can be reached during your leave.
  7. Sign the form: Add your signature to confirm your request.
  8. Submit the form: Return the completed form to the Human Resource Office for processing.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the FMLA Leave Request Form?

The FMLA Leave Request Form is a document that employees use to formally request leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This form allows employees to specify the reason for their leave, whether it is for the birth of a child, to care for a family member, or for their own serious health condition. It must be completed and submitted to the Human Resource Office.

Who is eligible to request FMLA leave?

To be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months and have completed at least 1,250 hours of service during the previous 12 months. Additionally, the employer must have 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius. Eligibility may also depend on the specific reason for the leave.

What reasons can I provide for requesting FMLA leave?

You can request FMLA leave for several reasons. These include the birth of a child, placement of a child for adoption or foster care, caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, or for your own serious health condition. If your reason does not fit these categories, you may specify another reason on the form.

Can I take FMLA leave intermittently?

Yes, FMLA leave can be taken intermittently or on a reduced schedule, depending on your needs and the approval of your employer. When requesting intermittent leave, you will need to provide specific details about the schedule and the reason for the leave on the form.

What if I want to use paid leave during my FMLA leave?

You have the option to use paid leave during your FMLA leave. On the form, you can indicate which types of paid leave you wish to use, such as vacation or sick hours. This can help maintain your income while you are on leave.

How do I stay in contact with my employer during my leave?

It is important to provide your contact information on the FMLA Leave Request Form. This includes your address and phone number. Your employer may need to reach you for updates or to discuss your leave status, so keeping communication open is essential.

Common mistakes

  1. Not Providing Complete Dates: One common mistake is failing to clearly state the start and end dates of the leave. Without this information, the request cannot be processed.

  2. Choosing the Wrong Reason for Leave: Another error is selecting an incorrect reason for the leave. It's crucial to circle the appropriate option that reflects the actual situation, whether it’s for a newborn, adoption, or a serious health condition.

  3. Missing Contact Information: Many people forget to include their contact information. Providing an address and phone number ensures that Human Resources can reach you if they have questions about your request.

  4. Not Indicating Intermittent Leave: If you are requesting intermittent or reduced-schedule leave, it’s important to specify the times you will be absent. Failing to do so can lead to misunderstandings about your schedule.

  5. Neglecting to Sign the Form: Lastly, some individuals forget to sign the form. Without a signature, the request is incomplete and cannot be approved.

Documents used along the form

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Form is essential for employees seeking time off for specific family or medical reasons. Along with this form, there are several other documents that may be required to support the leave request. Each of these documents serves a unique purpose in the process.

  • Medical Certification Form: This form is used to provide medical evidence of a serious health condition. It must be completed by a healthcare provider and submitted to the employer to validate the need for leave.
  • Notice of Eligibility and Rights & Responsibilities: Employers must provide this notice to employees after they request FMLA leave. It outlines the employee's eligibility for leave and their rights under the FMLA.
  • Designation Notice: Once the employer has determined whether the leave qualifies under the FMLA, they issue this notice. It confirms whether the leave is approved and how much time is designated as FMLA leave.
  • Return to Work Form: This document is often required when an employee is ready to return from FMLA leave. It may include a certification from a healthcare provider confirming the employee's fitness to return to work.
  • Intermittent Leave Schedule: If an employee requests intermittent leave, this form details the specific days and times they will be taking leave. It helps the employer manage scheduling and workload during the employee's absence.

These documents work together to ensure that both the employee's needs and the employer's requirements are met during the leave process. Understanding each document's role can help facilitate a smoother experience for everyone involved.

Similar forms

The FMLA Leave form is an important document for employees seeking time off for specific family and medical reasons. Several other documents share similarities with the FMLA Leave form. Here are seven of them:

  • Short-Term Disability Claim Form: This form is used when an employee cannot work due to a medical condition. Like the FMLA Leave form, it requires details about the employee's health and the duration of the leave.
  • Medical Leave of Absence Request: Employees submit this request when they need time off for medical reasons. Both forms require information about the reason for leave and the expected duration.
  • Parental Leave Request Form: This document is specifically for new parents seeking time off for childbirth or adoption. Similar to the FMLA Leave form, it focuses on family-related leave.
  • Compassionate Leave Request: Employees use this form to request time off due to a family member's serious illness or death. Like the FMLA Leave form, it emphasizes the need for family support during tough times.
  • Vacation Leave Request Form: While primarily for vacation time, this form also requires dates and reasons for leave. Similar to the FMLA Leave form, it must be submitted to HR for approval.
  • Workers' Compensation Claim Form: This form is for employees injured on the job. It shares the need for documentation and approval for time away from work, just like the FMLA Leave form.
  • Flexible Work Arrangement Request: Employees may submit this form to request a change in their work schedule. Both documents require justification for the request and are aimed at accommodating personal needs.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the FMLA Leave form, there are important dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth process.

  • Do provide your full name and department clearly.
  • Do specify the exact dates for your leave.
  • Do check all applicable reasons for your leave.
  • Do indicate any paid leave you wish to use.
  • Do ensure your contact information is current.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; complete every part of the form.
  • Don't forget to sign the form before submission.

Following these steps will help you avoid delays and ensure that your request is processed efficiently.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can be challenging, and several misconceptions often arise regarding the FMLA Leave form. Below are some common misunderstandings and clarifications to help you navigate the process.

  • FMLA Leave is only for new parents. Many believe that FMLA leave is exclusively for childbirth or adoption. In reality, it also covers serious health conditions of the employee or their family members.
  • Only full-time employees can take FMLA Leave. This is not true. Part-time employees may also qualify for FMLA leave if they meet the eligibility criteria.
  • FMLA Leave is paid leave. FMLA does not guarantee paid leave. Employees may use accrued paid leave during their FMLA absence, but it is not required.
  • You must provide a specific reason for leave. While the form asks for a reason, employees can select “another reason” and provide a general explanation without disclosing detailed personal information.
  • FMLA Leave can only be taken all at once. FMLA allows for intermittent leave or reduced-schedule leave, meaning employees can take leave in smaller increments rather than all at once.
  • Employers can deny FMLA Leave for any reason. Employers can only deny FMLA leave if the employee does not meet eligibility requirements or if the leave does not qualify under FMLA guidelines.
  • Once you submit your request, you cannot change it. Employees can modify their leave request as long as they communicate changes with their employer in a timely manner.

Clarifying these misconceptions can help employees make informed decisions regarding their FMLA Leave and ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities.

Key takeaways

When filling out the FMLA Leave form, there are several important points to consider. Here are key takeaways to ensure a smooth process:

  • Complete all sections: Ensure that every part of the form is filled out accurately to avoid delays.
  • Specify the type of leave: Clearly indicate whether you are requesting full-time leave, intermittent leave, or reduced-schedule leave.
  • Provide valid reasons: List the reason for your leave, such as caring for a newborn or a family member with a serious health condition.
  • Check paid leave options: If applicable, mark any paid leave options you wish to use, like vacation or sick hours.
  • Include contact information: Provide an address and phone number where you can be reached during your leave.
  • Sign the form: Your signature is necessary to validate the request and confirm that the information is correct.
  • Submit to HR: Return the completed form to the Human Resource Office as soon as possible.
  • Keep a copy: Retain a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Follow up: After submission, check in with HR to confirm that your request has been received and is being processed.
  • Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights under the FMLA to ensure you receive the leave you are entitled to.

By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate the FMLA Leave process more effectively and ensure that your needs are met during your time away from work.