While working is crucial to support your family financially, sometimes it can get in the way when you need to support them with your presence.
That’s where the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) comes in. It is there so you can take unpaid time off while preserving your allocated holidays.
There are, of course, limits concerning how much time you can take off and why you can do so.
You need to work for a qualifying employer
There must be at least five staff on the payroll.
You need to be a qualifying employee
You must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months in total, although it’s OK if that time was broken up, provided you worked at least 1,250 hours for them during the previous 12 months.
You need a valid reason to request the time off
The allowable reasons are:
Because you need it to care for your own serious health issue or that of someone “related by blood or in a family-like relationship.” That could mean your:
- Child
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent or parent-in-law
- Grandparent
- Grandchild
- Sibling
Serious health issues can cover illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental conditions. Typically they require continued treatment or supervision, or the person to stay in the hospital or care facility overnight. You might need to produce a medical certificate to back up your claim.
Having a baby or adopting a child should also qualify you for time off under the CFRA.
It’s complex, but there is legal help available if you have doubts concerning your right to take time off when your family needs you.