What Are My FMLA Rights in Arizona?

Employees in the state of Arizona are eligible for unpaid leave for health and caregiving reasons under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This act allows employees who qualify to take up to 12 work weeks in 12 months leave. This can be renewed every 12 months if qualifications are continued to be met. FMLA can be taken for reasons such as caring for a sick family member, caring for your own illness or even bonding with a new child. Many families benefit from this greatly.

Who Is Covered By FMLA?

Federal law requires all employers who have 50 or more employees to offer FMLA. In order to be covered by FMLA you must also qualify under the following circumstances:

• You must have had worked for the company for at least a year.
• Your employer must have at least 50 employees that work at locations within a 75-mile radius.
• You must have had worked at least 1,250 hours in the previous year.

What Are Circumstances That Qualify For FMLA?

FMLA is only provided to employees who meet certain qualifications. The following are reasons you can get FMLA:

• If you need to care for a spouse, son, daughter, or parent with a serious health condition.
• If you recently gave birth to a child.
• If you have a newly adopted or foster child.
• If you have a serious health condition that requires you to take medical leave from work.
• If you have qualifying exigencies because your spouse, son, daughter, or parent is on active duty or is called to active duty as a member of the National Guard or Reserves for a military operation.

How Do I Give Notification That I Need FMLA?

In the best circumstances you should be able to tell your employer 30 days before you need to take leave, although in some emergency situations that may not be possible. Tell your manager or HR department as soon as possible in all cases. Your employer will review your FMLA policy and you will be required to fill out some paperwork.

What Happens When I Return To My Job?

When you return from your leave, your employer is required to give you that same or similar job back with the same salary and benefits.