Why should I apply for FMLA?

FMLA leave is meant to protect you and your job. University policy requires that you file an FMLA claim if you have missed more than three consecutive work days. If you are normally off on a weekend and you are absent from work Thursday, Friday, and Monday, you must file an FMLA claim on Tuesday if you are still off from work.

How do I apply for FMLA?

• Contact your department administrator^1,2 to inform them of your intent to take a medical leave.
• Contact MetLife at 1-888-777-7418 approximately 30 days prior to the start of the medical leave or as soon as you know of your need for leave.
• Request a Total Absence Management (TAM) claim (not a short-term disability claim).
• MetLife will send you a packet of information and forms that you must review.
• You and your attending physician complete the forms, which must be returned directly to MetLife.

What should I do if I do not meet the eligibility criteria for FMLA?

You may request an unpaid leave of absence through your department.

How does FMLA apply to a birth mother’s parental leave?

• If employed for one or more years, birth mothers should follow FMLA instructions to request their parental leave.
• If employed for less than one year, birth mothers are not eligible for FMLA; however, they are still eligible for Parental Leave.

What happens to my benefits and other deductions while I am on FMLA?

Depending on the length of time you will be on an unpaid status, you will either be directly billed for the cost of your health and welfare benefits by the Benefits Department, or the cost of the insurance will be deducted from your paycheck upon your return to work. It is your responsibility to ensure your premiums are paid.

Please contact the Benefits Department if you are currently using or planning to use education benefits while on FMLA to ensure proper application of the benefit. 

What is required when I return to work?

You must contact your department to inform them of your return to work date. The end date of your leave must be the same date your FMLA claim is approved through. You must also provide your department administrator with a fitness for duty (return to work slip) from your attending physician.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

¹List of department administrators within the Schools of the Health Sciences

²For postdocs outside of the health sciences, please contact the office of your department chair.