Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, employees are eligible for up to how many weeks of unpaid leave?

• A. 6 weeks
• B. 12 weeks
• C. 18 weeks
• D. 26 weeks

Answer: (B)

The amount of unpaid leave provided by the Family and Medical Leave Act is twelve weeks within a twelve-month period for qualifying family and medical reasons. This leave is job-protected, meaning you can’t be fired or penalized for taking it, and health benefits must be maintained during the leave under the same terms as if you were working. To use this leave, you must work for a covered employer and meet certain eligibility requirements, including a minimum period of employment and hours worked. There is a specific military caregiver provision that can extend leave to up to twenty-six weeks in a twelve-month period for caring for a covered service member, but that applies only in narrow circumstances.