Family Medical Leave (FML)
FML entitles eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.
Important information to know about FML:
Eligibility Requirements
Employees are eligible if they:
- Worked a minimum of 12-months
- Worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12-month period
- Have a qualifying event
- Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) will run concurrent, if applicable
Covered members
Employee, Spouse, Child, and Parent
- Employee's own serious condition in which the employee is unable to perform the functions of their job
- Care for a family member with a serious condition
- For the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care
- Due to qualifying exigency arising out from the employee's family member is a military member on "covered active duty"
- To care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness
Frequently asked questions about FML
- Do I use my accrued leave or is FML unpaid? - FML provides Kitsap County employees with job protection while on leave for qualified medical and family reasons. While on FML, employees may elect to use accrued sick leave. Exhaustion of all other County leaves (except sick leave) is required before an employee enters unpaid status.
- When to request FML? At least 30 days prior to the date that the leave is to begin, the employee completes the Medical / FML Leave Request form and submits it to Human Resources, and notifies their supervisor or department HR Partner. Unforeseen circumstances may waive the 30-day requirement.
- What do I need to submit? Supporting medical documentation is required. Click here to see the leave checklist, along with all required documentation.
- How long is FML? An eligible employee is entitled to 12 weeks within a 12-month rolling calendar year. If an employee has multiple FML qualifying events during the 12-month period, they are limited to 12 weeks total. FML applications for intermittent leave may be approved for 12-month increments per application. This may be shorter depending on the medical documentation provided to HR. Employees may apply for renewal to continue FML intermittent coverage.
- I was injured on the job and am on Workers Compensation, do I qualify for FML?
The employee's FML leave entitlement may run concurrently with a workers' compensation absence when the injury is one that meets the criteria for a "serious health condition." Thus, an employee could receive workers' compensation benefits to replace lost wages, while at the same time having health benefits maintained under the FML.
Federal Public Law (29 CFR 825)
