I need to take a leave of absence...what can I do?
There are various laws that might give you the right to take a leave of absence.
MASSACHUSETTS PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE PROGRAM
Massachusetts has a Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which provides temporary income replacement to eligible workers who are welcoming a new child into their family, are struck by a serious illness or injury, need to take care of an ill or ailing relative, and for certain military considerations.
Some highlights of PFMLA (links below to more detailed information)
Beginning on January 1, 2021:
>Covered individuals may be entitled to up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave in a benefit year if they have a serious health condition that incapacitates them from work.
>Covered individuals may be entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid family leave in a benefit year related to the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child, or because of a qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that a family member is on active duty or has been notified of an impending call to active duty in the Armed Forces.
>Covered individuals may be entitled to up to 26 weeks of paid family leave in a benefit year to care for a family member who is a covered service member with a serious health condition.
Beginning on July 1, 2021: Covered individuals may be entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
Covered individuals are eligible for no more than 26 total weeks, in the aggregate, of paid family and medical leave in a single benefit year.
PFMLA coverage is very broad. Covered individuals include employees, some “1099” contractors, and self-employed individuals who opt-in to the program.
PFMLA includes job protections and prohibits retaliation.
PFMLA Poster
OTHER LAWS
If you need to take a leave for the birth or adoption of a child, because of your serious medical condition, or because of the serious medical condition of a family member, you might be entitled to a leave under the Family & Medical Leave Act.
If you need to take leave to participate in school activities, or to accompany your children or elderly relatives to medical, dental, or other specialists, you might be entitled to a leave under the Massachusetts Small Necessities Leave Act.
If you need to take a leave for the birth or adoption of a child, you might be entitled to leave under the Massachusetts Parental Leave Law.Eligible Massachusetts employees have the right to earn and take Sick Leave.
If you have a disability, you might be in some circumstances be entitled to a leave as a form of "reasonable accommodation." For more information, click here.
A union contract (collective bargaining agreement) might offer additional benefits. So, if you are in a union, check your contract and talk with your union representative.
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