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Should I get paid for FMLA leave?

On Behalf of | Dec 17, 2022 | Employment Law |

The Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take up to twelve weeks of job-protected leave per year for eligible circumstances. These include caring for one’s own serious health condition or that of a close family member, caring for a child in the year following birth or adoption, as well as other qualifying situations.

While FMLA empowers you to take the necessary time away from work without worrying about keeping your job, you might understandably worry about getting paid during that time. Knowing how payment works with FMLA is crucial for planning ahead.

Will I Get Paid For FMLA Leave?

Ohio laws on leaves of absence define FMLA leave as being unpaid and job-protected. The advantage of using FMLA time is that your job is under the protection of the law even if you are away for twelve weeks. However, you will not receive payment for this time away unless you use other resources available through your company.

How Can I Take FMLA Leave And Still Get Paid?

FMLA runs concurrently with other forms of paid leave. You can use sick days, vacation hours and other forms of compensatory time during your absence through FMLA to receive payment while away from work. Keep in mind that there is a requirement for employees to use any accrued paid leave time while away on an FMLA leave.

Employees who take FMLA leave while having other forms of paid leave time in reserve can receive payment through those compensatory hours. However, FMLA leave itself is a form of unpaid absence.

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