FMLA Leave for Washington Workers: Family and Medical Reasons

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) lets eligible workers take unpaid leave for specific family or medical reasons. You can take up to 12 workweeks in a 12-month period for things like your own serious health condition, caring for a family member, or a child’s birth or adoption.

If you’re a military caregiver (for a child, parent, spouse, or next of kin of a service member), you may take up to 26 workweeks of leave in a single 12-month period.

The FMLA defines family members as:

• Child: Biological, adopted, foster, or stepchild under 18, or 18+ if they can’t care for themselves due to a disability.
• Parent: Biological, adoptive, step, or foster parent. Parents-in-law are not included.
• Spouse: Married partner, including same-sex or common-law marriages.
• Next of kin: Closest blood relative (for military caregiver leave only), excluding the service member’s spouse, parent, or child.

Your job must be protected during FMLA leave if you meet eligibility rules. You may need to provide medical documentation.

This is a summary only — not legal advice. Consult a disability rights attorney for guidance on your specific situation.