FMLA Calculator 2026: Family Medical Leave Act Eligibility & 12 Weeks Leave

⚖️ Federal Law: The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for eligible employees. This calculator determines if you qualify based on federal FMLA requirements.

⚖️ FMLA ELIGIBILITY CALCULATOR 2026 - FEDERAL LAW

📋 FMLA 3-PART ELIGIBILITY TEST:

1. 12+ months employment
2. 1,250+ hours past year
3. 50+ employees within 75 miles

Employment Start Date

Hours Worked Past 12 Months

Company Employees at Location

Employees Within 75 Miles

🏥 FMLA QUALIFYING REASON:

Birth/Adoption

Serious Health

Family Care

Military Family

Foster Care

Intermittent Leave Needed

Reduced Schedule Leave

⚖️ Federal Law 🏥 Medical Leave 🇺🇸 Military

Understand Your FMLA Rights in 60 Seconds!

Federal law provides 12 weeks unpaid leave - know if you qualify

FMLA Law 2026 - Family Medical Leave Act

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides eligible employees with 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specified family and medical reasons, with continuation of group health insurance coverage.

⚖️ FMLA Eligibility Requirements

12 Months Employment: Worked for employer for at least 12 months
1,250 Hours: At least 1,250 hours of service during 12-month period
50 Employees: Employer has 50+ employees within 75 miles
Qualifying Reason: Birth, adoption, serious health condition, etc.
Proper Notice: 30 days notice when foreseeable
Medical Certification: May be required for serious health conditions

🏥 FMLA Qualifying Reasons

Birth & Bonding: Birth of child and to bond (within 1 year)
Adoption/Foster Care: Placement of child for adoption/foster care
Serious Health Condition: Employee's own serious health condition
Family Care: Care for spouse, child, or parent with serious health condition
Military Family Leave: Qualifying exigency or covered service member care
Pregnancy-Related: Prenatal care, severe morning sickness, etc.

🏥 Serious Health Condition Definition

INCLUDES:
• Hospital care (inpatient)
• Incapacity + treatment (3+ days)
• Chronic conditions
• Permanent/long-term conditions
• Pregnancy/prenatal care

REQUIRES:
• Medical certification
• Continuing treatment
• Periodic visits to HCP
• Regimen of supervision

A "serious health condition" generally requires inpatient care or continuing treatment by a healthcare provider.

Military Family Leave 2026

🇺🇸 Qualifying Exigency Leave

Short Notice Deployment: 7 days notice for deployment
Military Events: Ceremonies, programs, briefings
Childcare/School: Arrangements due to call to duty
Financial/Legal: Arrangements due to active duty
Counseling: For service member, spouse, child, parent
Rest & Recuperation: Up to 5 days per deployment
Post-Deployment: Activities within 90 days of return
Additional Activities: As agreed by employer/employee

🇺🇸 Covered Service Member Care

26 Workweeks: In a single 12-month period
Current Service Member: In Armed Forces, National Guard, Reserves
Veteran: Discharged within 5 years
Serious Injury/Illness: Incurred in line of duty
Next of Kin: Spouse, child, parent, or nearest blood relative
Medical Certification: Required from DOD or VA

FMLA Calculator 2026 FAQ

Is FMLA leave paid or unpaid?

FMLA UNPAID. FMLA provides unpaid leave. However, employees may use accrued paid leave (vacation, sick leave) concurrently with FMLA. Some states (CA, NY, WA) have paid family leave programs.

Can my employer deny FMLA leave?

FMLA YES, IF INELIGIBLE. Employers can deny if you don't meet eligibility criteria. They can also require medical certification for serious health conditions and deny if certification is insufficient.

What's the difference between FMLA and disability?

FMLA FMLA provides job protection. Disability provides income replacement. They can run concurrently. FMLA is 12 weeks; disability can be longer but without job protection after 12 weeks.

Can I take FMLA intermittently?

FMLA YES, WHEN MEDICALLY NECESSARY. Intermittent FMLA can be taken in blocks of time (days, weeks) or reduced schedule. Employer can temporarily transfer employee to accommodate.

What happens to my health insurance during FMLA?

FMLA CONTINUES. Employers must maintain group health insurance during FMLA leave under same terms as if working. Employee must continue paying their share of premiums.

Know Your FMLA Rights Under Federal Law!

Join thousands using our free FMLA eligibility calculator

⚖️ FMLA Legal Disclaimer (Updated January 2026)

Federal Law: FMLA is federal law (29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.) administered by U.S. Department of Labor. This calculator provides estimates only.

Eligibility Determinations: Final eligibility determinations are made by employers based on complete documentation.

Medical Certification: Employers may require medical certification for serious health conditions. Healthcare provider determination is final.

State Laws: Some states have additional family/medical leave laws that may provide greater benefits (CA, NY, WA, etc.).

Last Update: January 1, 2026 | Next Review: July 1, 2026