Guide · US edition · Updated 2026-10-29

FMLA for Caregivers: Can You Take Leave To Care for a Parent?

If you work and care for a parent, spouse or child with a serious health condition, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take job-protected time off. It's unpaid, but your job and group health insurance are protected.

Who is eligible

Generally, you're eligible if:

you work for a covered employer (private employers with 50 or more employees, and public agencies and schools),
you've worked there at least 12 months,
you've worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months, and
you work at a location where the employer has 50 or more employees within 75 miles.

What you get

Up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period
To care for a spouse, child or parent with a serious health condition (parents-in-law are not covered under federal FMLA)
Continued group health insurance on the same terms
Return to the same or an equivalent job

Intermittent leave

You don't have to take the leave all at once. When medically necessary, FMLA can be taken intermittently (for example, a day here and there for appointments or treatment) or as a reduced schedule.

What to do

Talk to HR and ask for the FMLA paperwork.
Give notice: 30 days when the need is foreseeable, or as soon as practicable.
Get the certification form completed by your parent's health care provider.
Ask about paid options: some states have paid family leave programs, and your employer may let you use paid time off.

Help

The US Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division explains FMLA and handles questions (dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla; 1-866-487-9243).

General information, not legal advice. State laws may provide more protection.

The Family Caregiver Binder includes a work and leave page to track FMLA dates, paperwork and who you spoke to.

Family Caregiver Binder — $14

19-page caregiver binder: medical summary, medication list and log, appointment log, discharge checklist, legal documents and a care tracker spreadsheet. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.

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