The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is available to regularly appointed employees and regular substitutes. If eligible, teachers may apply for leave under the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides up to 12 weeks of health benefits, commencing with the first consecutive absence, during maternity leave and childcare leave.
All other FMLA leaves are unpaid, such as care of a child under age 1, adoption, the start of foster care, caring for an ill family member or treating a serious personal health condition.
You are eligible if you have worked for a total of at least 12 months as of the date the leave commences (the months need not be consecutive) or for 1,250 hours (equivalent to one school year under DOE regulations) over the previous 12 months. The leave can be intermittent or involve reducing your work schedule, such as if you need to go for medical treatments. There is a specialist in each UFT borough office who can answer your questions regarding FMLA leaves.