March 26, 2024
Family Medical Leave and Paid Parental Leave Benefits
Family Medical Leave and Paid Parental Leave are two leave benefits available to all K-State Research and Extension employees who are paid by the state of Kansas. These types of leave often generate questions from employees.
Family Medical Leave (FMLA) provides 12 work weeks of leave in a 12-month period for certain family and medical reasons, including birth or adoption of a child. FMLA protects the employees' position and access to health insurance, but does not provide paid leave. In order for FMLA leave to be paid, the employee must use available sick or vacation leave. The employee is required to use all accrued paid leave toward the FMLA entitlement before leave without pay can be authorized. Eligibility for FMLA starts after 12 moths of employment with the state of Kansas and the employee must have worked at least 1250 hours in the 12 months immediately preceding the date FMLA begins.
Employees are granted up to eight work weeks of paid leave (primary caregiver) or four work weeks of paid leave (secondary caregiver) following the birth, adoptive placement of a child under six years of age, and placement of a foster child of any age. Leave must be used within 12 weeks of the date of birth or placement. The employee must complete a Parental Leave Form prior to being awarded leave. Parental leave runs concurrently with FMLA.
Employees should reach out to Tim May should they need to use either type of leave.