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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

To apply for a Leave of Absence, fill out this form to log your request in our system. You must use your HCPSS account to log in.

Please note: Effective 12/30/2024, we will be moving to a new platform (Guardian) for requesting a leave of absence. The link on the HCPSS Leave of Absence webpage will be updated with the new request form when it is live.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is unpaid family or medical leave of up to 12 work weeks during any 12-month period. Eligible employees may take family and medical leave because of:

  • The serious health condition that prevents the employee from performing the essential functions of the employee’s job
  • The birth or placement of a child for adoption or foster care
  • The need to care for the employee’s spouse, eligible same-sex domestic partner (SSDP), child, or parent with a serious health condition
  • Qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent is on active duty or call to active duty status as a member of the National Guard or Reserves in support of a contingency operation.

Eligibility

An employee who is employed at 0.5 or more and who has been employed with the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) for at least 12 months prior to the start of the leave.

Employee Protections

FMLA is job-protected and benefit-protected leave. This means while on approved FMLA leave, your job with HCPSS is protected and your benefits remain as if you are actively working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Staff Help Site for answers to frequently asked questions about FMLA.