Need Answers About FMLA? Here is Your Free Guide

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Last February the US Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it is working on new set of FMLA leave regulations for military and airline flight crew families. The final version of those regulations is expected to be announced in the near future. In the meantime, you might be interested in learning more about how the FMLA works.

The DOL has published a new 16-page, easy-to-understand booklet called “Need Time? The Employee’s Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act.” It is designed to answer common FMLA questions and clarify who can take FMLA leave and what protections the FMLA provides.

The Guide specifically addresses:

  • Who can use FMLA? (Coverage and Eligibility)
  • When can I use FMLA? (Qualifying reasons to take FMLA)
  • What can the FMLA do for me? (FMLA rights and protections)
  • How do I request FMLA leave?
  • Communication with Employer (Employer and Employee Notices)
  • Medical Certification
  • Returning to Work (Reinstatement rights)
  • How to File a Complaint

The Guide includes easy-to-follow flowcharts and Q-and-A sections that walk the reader through clearly worded questions that explain the eligibility requirements for FMLA. The Guide maps out step-by-step the FMLA leave process and medical certification process. It identifies qualifying familial relationships and defines “serious health conditions” for which an employee may request FMLA leave. Finally, it provides information on what to do if there is a violation of FMLA rights.

To download the FMLA Employee Guide in PDF format or to order printed copies of the Guide, click here. To find out more about the Family and Medial Leave Act, visit the US DOL Wage and Hour Division’s FMLA homepage by clicking here.

2 Comments


  1. My employer only allows me to use 12 days of fmla in a 6 month period even though I have the 1250 hours needed to qualify for fmla. Is that right. I thought it was 12 weeks.


    1. Thank you for visiting our website. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide advice regarding specific situations. You can access FMLA information from the US Department of Labor’s FMLA website here. Good luck!

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