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Family Caregiving

Caregiving and Your Career: FMLA, Flexibility, and Talking to Your Boss

FMLA for caregivers explained: who qualifies, how intermittent leave works, state paid leave, flexible work options, and how to talk to your boss about caregiving.

Millions of family caregivers also hold jobs. Juggling a parent’s appointments, emergencies, and daily needs with work responsibilities is exhausting, and many caregivers worry about their jobs. Understanding FMLA for caregivers, along with other workplace options, can help you protect both your family and your career.

Quick answer: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) lets eligible employees take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year to care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. Leave can be taken all at once or intermittently. Some states also offer paid family leave. Flexible schedules and honest conversations with your employer can help too.

FMLA for Caregivers: The Basics

FMLA basics for caregivers. Who qualifies: employees of covered employers with at least 12 months and 1,250 hours of work. Who you can care for: a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. What it provides: up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year with continued group health insurance, which can be taken intermittently.

Who Qualifies?

Generally, you’re eligible if you:

  • Work for a covered employer, including private employers with 50 or more employees, as well as public agencies and schools
  • Have worked there for at least 12 months
  • Worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months
  • Work at a location where the employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles

Who Can You Care For?

FMLA covers care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. Parents-in-law generally aren’t covered under federal FMLA, though some state laws are broader.

What Does It Provide?

  • Up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period
  • Job protection: you generally return to the same or an equivalent position
  • Continued group health insurance during leave

Intermittent Leave

FMLA leave doesn’t have to be taken all at once. You may be able to take leave in blocks or reduced schedules when medically necessary, like for a parent’s chemotherapy appointments or dialysis days. Your employer may require medical certification.

State Paid Family Leave

A growing number of states offer paid family and medical leave programs that provide partial wage replacement while caring for a family member. Some state laws cover more relatives or smaller employers. Check your state’s program.

Other Workplace Options

  • Flexible hours or a compressed workweek
  • Remote work on some days
  • Using paid time off or sick leave, if your employer allows it for family care
  • Employee assistance programs (EAPs), which may offer eldercare referrals and counseling
  • Dependent care FSAs, which may cover qualifying adult dependent care

How to Talk to Your Boss About Caregiving

  1. Know your options. Review your employee handbook and talk with HR first.
  2. Plan the conversation. Explain the situation briefly, without oversharing.
  3. Propose solutions. Suggest a schedule or arrangement that keeps your work on track.
  4. Put agreements in writing.
  5. Check in regularly as needs change.

You might say: “My father has a serious health condition and I’m helping with his care. I’d like to talk about a schedule that lets me get him to appointments while keeping my projects on track.”

Protecting Your Career and Health

Working caregivers often sacrifice sleep, health, and time off. Look for ways to share the load with family; see how to ask family for caregiving help. Bringing in home care during work hours can let you keep working without constant worry. If you’re also raising kids, read the sandwich generation caregiver guide. And watch for caregiver stress warning signs.

Our tips for balancing work and family caregiving offer more strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use FMLA to care for my mother?

If you’re an eligible employee and your mother has a serious health condition, FMLA generally allows job-protected leave to care for her.

Is FMLA leave paid?

Federal FMLA leave is unpaid, but you may be able to use accrued paid leave, and some states offer paid family leave programs.

How Briggs Home Care Can Help

Briggs Home Care provides reliable care during work hours, so you can stay focused at work knowing your loved one is safe. Learn about our respite care and all services, find a location near you, or call 1-833-960-CARE (2273).

This article is general information, not legal advice. Check with your employer, HR department, or an employment attorney about your rights.

Related Reading

Trusted outside resource: U.S. Department of Labor: FMLA

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