FMLA: employer coverage, service and qualifying leave

FMLA: employer coverage, service and qualifying leave Qualifications and requirements: Ordinary employee eligibility requires a covered employer, 12 months of employment, 1,250 hours worked in the preceding 12 months, and a worksite with 50 employees within 75 miles. The reason must qualify, such as the worker's serious health condition, covered family caregiving, birth or placement of a child, or qualifying military-family leave. Documents to prepare (confirm what is required): Employment start date and hours records; Employer leave policy; Relevant certification requested by the employer; Leave request and response Exceptions and checks: Airline flight crews have special hours rules; military service can affect service credit. FMLA itself provides unpaid leave; substitution of available paid leave follows applicable rules. Questions to ask: Does my employer meet the coverage test?; What qualifying reason and certification apply?; What dates and hours count toward eligibility? Next steps: Ask the employer for its FMLA eligibility notice and certification instructions.; Keep submission proof.; Contact DOL or employment counsel about a disputed denial. Limits: These are screening requirements, not a finding that a particular condition qualifies.