The Ultimate FMLA Checklist: Quick Reference Guide
Everything you need to know about FMLA in one handy checklist. Print this out and keep it in your files.
Before Requesting Leave
### Confirm Eligibility - [ ] Employer has 50+ employees within 75 miles - [ ] Worked for employer at least 12 months - [ ] Worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months - [ ] Have a qualifying reason for leave
### Qualifying Reasons - [ ] Your own serious health condition - [ ] Caring for spouse, child, or parent with serious health condition - [ ] Birth of child and bonding - [ ] Placement of child for adoption or foster care - [ ] Military qualifying exigency - [ ] Military caregiver leave (26 weeks)
Requesting Leave
### Timing - [ ] 30 days advance notice for foreseeable leave - [ ] "As soon as practicable" for unforeseeable leave - [ ] Follow employer's call-in procedures
### What to Say - Provide enough information for employer to recognize FMLA may apply - You don't need to specifically say "FMLA"
After Requesting
### From Employer (Within 5 Business Days) - [ ] Eligibility Notice (are you eligible?) - [ ] Rights and Responsibilities Notice - [ ] Request for medical certification
### From You (Within 15 Calendar Days) - [ ] Return completed certification form - [ ] Get form from our [Form Finder](/forms)
### From Employer (Within 5 Business Days After Certification) - [ ] Designation Notice (approved or denied)
During Leave
### Your Rights - [ ] Job protection (same or equivalent position) - [ ] Continued health insurance (same terms) - [ ] No retaliation for taking leave
### Your Obligations - [ ] Follow call-in procedures if required - [ ] Respond to recertification requests - [ ] Give notice if return date changes
Returning to Work
### Before Return - [ ] Provide fitness-for-duty cert if required - [ ] Confirm return date with employer
### Upon Return - [ ] Same or equivalent position - [ ] Same pay and benefits - [ ] Same duties and responsibilities
Key Numbers
| What | Number | |------|--------| | Weeks of leave | 12 (26 for military caregiver) | | Hours for eligibility | 1,250 | | Months for eligibility | 12 | | Employer size | 50+ | | Advance notice | 30 days (if foreseeable) | | Certification deadline | 15 days |
Where to Get Help
- **Form Finder:** [protectedleave.com/forms](/forms)
- **State Laws:** [protectedleave.com/states](/states)
- **DOL Questions:** 1-866-487-9243
- **File Complaint:** dol.gov/agencies/whd
*LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Consult with a qualified employment attorney or your HR department for guidance specific to your circumstances.*
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