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FMLA Eligibility Calculator
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave — but only if you meet all three federal eligibility tests. Enter your details to check instantly.
Example: An employee with 14 months of service, 1,400 hours worked, and 60 coworkers within 75 miles is Eligible — meeting all three federal FMLA tests.
What can change the math
- The 12 months of employment don't need to be consecutive — but employment gaps of 7+ years generally don't count, with limited exceptions (military service, a break under a collective bargaining agreement).
- Some states have their own family/medical leave laws with broader eligibility (smaller employers, fewer required hours) than federal FMLA — check your state labor department.
- Even meeting all three tests, the leave itself must be for a qualifying reason: your own serious health condition, a new child, caring for an immediate family member, or a covered military-family reason.
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Frequently asked questions
Do the 1,250 hours have to be worked in a row?
No — it's total hours actually worked (not paid leave) in the 12 months before your leave starts. Overtime counts; paid time off and holidays generally don't.
What if my employer has fewer than 50 employees?
Federal FMLA generally doesn't apply unless there are 50+ employees within 75 miles of your worksite — though your state may have its own law with a lower threshold.
Does FMLA leave have to be paid?
No — FMLA guarantees unpaid, job-protected leave. Some employers voluntarily pay it, and a growing number of states now require separate paid family leave.