How to Fill Out FMLA Paperwork

The stress of caring for a sick family member can be alleviated by FMLA.

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), allows an employee to ask for extended time off from work if they are ill or must care for an ill family member. FMLA allows the employee to take time off with the assurance that they will be able to return to their job at the conclusion of said leave. To make this process as smooth as possible, it is necessary to acquire medical documentation, and to fill out any specific FMLA paperwork your place of employment requires.

Instructions

Completing FMLA Paperwork

1. Check with your supervisor or your human resources department to see if you qualify for FMLA benefits. Generally, an employee must be considered full time or must have worked 1,250 hours in the past 12 months to qualify for the benefit.

2. Ask your supervisor or human resources department whether the company provides an FMLA packet to fill out. If not, notify your supervisor in writing of your intent to utilize your FMLA benefits, the health condition for which the request is being made, and the amount of time off needed. By law, the employer can offer up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for employee illness, pregnancy, adoption or to care for an ill family member.

3. Ask your physician or the physician of the person for whom you are caring for medical documentation stating the condition requiring unpaid leave, the expected outcome and length of convalescence. Some companies provide a worksheet you can take to your doctor to fill out. Ask your human resources department whether your company provides this type of worksheet.

4. During the leave, stay in touch periodically with your employer regarding medical progress and expected return to work. Keep copies of all correspondence between you and your employer.

5. Prior to returning to work, your doctor must provide a release in order for you to return to your job. This documentation must state whether or not you are returning to your job with any physical restrictions, or if you are cleared to perform all your regular duties.

Tips & Warnings

• Most employers require that you request FMLA leave 30 days in advance whenever possible.

References

• Pacific Lutheran University: Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• National Treasury Employees Union: Is Your Doctor Puzzled
• Modern Medicine: Q&A: Filling out disability and FMLA forms
• CWA Local 6327: FMLA
• HR Info Center: FMLA