For many residents of Indiana, family comes first. But what happens when your obligation to your family comes into conflict with your professional responsibilities? The chances are that you need that job to support the ones you love. However, sometimes you may need to take extended periods of time off to care for someone in your family. In some cases, this could put your employment in jeopardy. Fortunately, you may have the protection of the Family and Medical Leave Act.
As is explained by the Indiana State Personnel Department, the sort of events which might qualify you for FMLA include the following:
- Caring for a seriously ill or injured service member.
- Caring for a child, spouse or parent with a serious medical condition.
- The birth of a child.
- Suffering a health condition that leaves you unable to carry out your job’s essential functions.
To be eligible for leave under the FMLA, you must meet specific requirements:
- You need to have been employed for a minimum of 12 months by your employer.
- You must not have already exhausted your family medical leave allowance for the period.
- In the 12 months preceding your leave, you must have worked for a minimum of 1,250 hours.
- You must work for an employer with a minimum of 50 employees.
It can seem like a lot to figure out at a time when you are probably far more concerned with the well-being of your family. However, if you require leave and would like to know more about whether you are protected under this act, our page on the FMLA may have the answers you seek.
