4. Find out about family medical leave
Question and answer
Can I take time off work if a family member is sick or injured?People take family medical leave to care for or support someone who may die in the next 26 weeks.
Family medical leave applies to certain family members, including a close friend who thinks of you as a family member.
Your employer does not have to pay you for the leave, unless you have a contract or workplace policy that says they do. Read more in the Answer under the heading Getting paid.
How long you can take
You may be able to take up to 28 weeks of leave over a period of 52 weeks. But you must share these with everyone who needs family medical leave to take care of the same person.
For example, if your sibling takes 20 weeks of family medical leave to care for your dying parent, you can only take 8 weeks off. This is true even if you and your sibling work for different employers.
Tell your employer
Tell your employer as soon as you know you need a leave.
If you must start your leave before talking to your employer, contact them as soon as you can.
You must tell your employer in writing. You can send an email, text message, or letter.
Proving you need a leave
You need a medical certificate from a doctor or a nurse practitioner that says that your family member or close friend is:
- seriously ill or injured, and
- at a significant risk of dying within 26 weeks.