Questions & Answers about:
Taking Time Off From Work:  Family & Medical Leave

Do you need time off from work to care for a child, parent, spouse or yourself?

A. Both the state and federal government have Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) laws—each with different rules. You will be covered under the federal FMLA if you have worked for at least 12 months for a private company that has 50 or more employees and you have worked 1250 hours within the last 12 months. You will be covered under Connecticut FMLA if you have worked at least 12 months for an employer that has 75 or more employees and you have worked 1000 hours within the last 12 months. For both federal and Connecticut FMLA, only hours actually worked count—paid vacation, holiday or sick leave do not count.

Both also allow you to take time off to care for a newborn or newly adopted child or foster child. You may be able to (or be required to) first use any paid time off that you have, such as vacation days, to cover some or all of your leave.

Q. How much leave can I get? Do I have to take the leave all at once?

A. If you are covered under federal FMLA, you can get 12 weeks of unpaid leave in any 12-month period. If you are covered under Connecticut FMLA, you can get 16 weeks of unpaid leave in any 24-month period. (Connecticut state agency employees can get up to 24 weeks of unpaid leave.) You don’t have to take the leave all at once--it can be taken in parts or occasionally if your employer agrees or if it is medically necessary.  For example, a half a day at a time or by working fewer hours on a regular basis to attend appointments. 

A. Yes. An employer must continue group health benefits while you are on leave, as well as life and disability insurance, sick leave, educational benefits, and pension. The payment arrangement for all benefits would continue as if you were still working. This means if your employer previously paid the benefits, you will not start paying for them yourself. However, if you pay for all or part of your benefits, you will continue to pay.

A. As soon as possible, tell your supervisor that you need to take a leave and the reason why. You do not have to ask for the leave in writing (but it is better if you do). Unless you have an emergency medical condition, you must give 30 days’ notice (or if 30 days is not possible, as much notice as you can). Once you ask for the leave, the employer is supposed to explain your rights under FMLA and tell you what information/documentation you must provide.

Q.  What happens when I get back from leave? Can I get my job back?

A.  Once your leave ends, you are entitled to go back to your original position. If that position is no longer available, you must be given a similar position with similar pay and benefits. If you took medical leave and you are unable to perform your original job for medical reasons, your employer should transfer you to a job which is suitable to your physical condition. However, an employer is not required to create a job for you.