PTO and FMLA - How Family Leave Works with PTO
Learn how the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) interacts with your paid time off. Understand substitution rules, concurrent leave, and strategies for managing your PTO during family and medical leave.
Understanding FMLA
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for qualifying family and medical reasons. While FMLA leave is unpaid, many employees use PTO to receive pay during this time.
Can Employers Require PTO During FMLA?
Yes, employers can require employees to use accrued PTO during FMLA leave, and employees can also elect to substitute PTO for unpaid FMLA leave. This allows you to maintain income during your leave period.
FMLA and PTO Accrual
During unpaid FMLA leave, you typically do not accrue additional PTO since you're not working hours. However, if you're using paid PTO during FMLA, you may continue to accrue based on your employer's policy.
Protecting Your PTO During FMLA
Before taking FMLA leave, understand your options: You may want to save some PTO for after your return, or use it all during leave for income. Communicate with HR about how PTO will be applied to your FMLA leave.