Inside HR: FMLA & Disability Retirement

Inside HR: FMLA & Disability Retirement

May 30, 2024

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)  

What is FMLA?  

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of protected leave. Eligible employees are those with a qualifying event who have worked with GUC for at least one year and have worked at least 1,250 hours.  

What is FMLA for? 

  •          Birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child 
  •          Serious health condition of employee or employee’s eligible family member 
  •          Qualifying exigency (urgent need or demand) leave 

What is considered a “serious health condition?”  

There are many different “serious health conditions” that may require an employee to miss work. Employees are encouraged to contact HR to assist with determining if a situation may qualify.  

Why do I need it?  

FMLA grants you protected leave to take care of yourself or your family member during a time of serious health concern, even if you have ample accrued sick leave or vacation to receive pay during your leave. 

Disability Retirement   

What is disability retirement?  

Retirement that is available to employees who do not meet age and service requirements for regular retirement but have a medical condition that prevents them from performing the duties of their job.  

 How do employees qualify? 

  •          Must have worked at least five years 
  •          Must be approved by the Medical Board to be permanently disabled 
  •        Disability must have been continuous, permanent, and must have been incurred at the time of active employment 
  •          Must not be eligible to receive an unreduced Local Government Employee Retirement System (LGERS) service retirement benefit 

What happens once approved?  

Benefits are calculated as a full retirement, and the recipient will draw a check for the rest of their life. Depending on the type of disability, medical follow up may be required.