Definition of Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) Leave Year
The FMLA leave year begins on January 1 of every year and ends on December 31 of each year. Under current policies and collective bargaining agreements applicable to staff and academic personnel, the University of California grants eligible employees up to 12 workweeks of Family and Medical Leave during the leave year.
During the leave year, employees who have at least 12 months of University service and who have actually worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12-month period immediately preceding the commencement date of the requested leave shall be granted up to 12 workweeks of Family and Medical Leave for certain family and medical reasons during the 12-month period that begins each January 1.
An employee who has the need to continue a Family and Medical Leave that is in progress on December 31 for the same qualifying family or medical reason or to request new FMLA for a new qualifying family or medical reason will be required to be re-certified for Family and Medical Leave in the new calendar year. This means that the employee must have actually worked1250 hours as of January 1 (if re-certifying) or as of the date of the new leave onset and a new medical certification from the health care provider.
All eligible employees are entitled to continuation of health benefits (i.e., medical, dental, and vision), as provided in the applicable policy or collective bargaining agreement, for all periods of time on approved Family and Medical Leaves.
Questions regarding the FMLA leave year designation may be directed to your Employee Relations Specialist or to Academic Personnel.