Protecting Family and Medical Leave Rights for Federal Employees

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible federal employees to a total of up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12 month period. In some instances, the leave can be taken intermittently (i.e., not all at once) throughout the year.

Your FMLA rights

Requesting FMLA

Your Protections

• Upon return from FMLA leave, an employee must be returned to the same position or to an "equivalent position with equivalent benefits, pay, status, and other terms and conditions of employment."
• An employee who takes FMLA leave is entitled to maintain health benefits coverage.  An employee on unpaid FMLA leave may pay the employee share of the premiums on a current basis or pay upon return to work.

• An employee must provide notice of intent to take leave not less than 30 days before leave is to begin or, in emergencies, as soon as is practicable.
• Agencies may request medical certification for FMLA leave taken to care for an employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent who has a serious health condition or for the serious health condition of the employee.

• Your Agency may not discriminate, retaliate or harass you because you requested (even if not approved) or took leave.
• You must be returned to the same position or to an "equivalent position with equivalent benefits, pay, status, and other terms and conditions of employment."

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