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Pay and Leave FAQ

Question

For what purposes can leave be taken under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

Answer

FMLA provides eligible Federal employees with an entitlement to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for the following purposes:

birth of a son or daughter of the employee and care of the newborn;*
placement of a son or daughter with the employee for adoption or foster care;*
care of a spouse, son, daughter, or parent of the employee who has a serious health condition; and
a serious health condition of the employee that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her position.

* Entitlement to 12 weeks of leave expires 12 months after the date of birth or placement for adoption or foster care. (Employees may begin this leave prior to the birth or placement.)

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