Is FMLA paid or unpaid leave?

**Federal FMLA Is Unpaid:** The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) only requires employers to provide UNPAID leave. There is no federal requirement to pay you during FMLA leave. **How to Get Paid During FMLA:** 1. **Use Accrued PTO:** Most employees use their accrued vacation, sick leave, or PTO concurrently with FMLA. Employers can require this. 2. **State Paid Family Leave:** 13 states + DC have paid family leave programs: - California (up to 70% wages) - New York (up to 67% wages) - New Jersey (up to 85% wages) - Washington (up to 90% wages) - Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Colorado, Oregon, Maryland, Delaware, Minnesota, Maine 3. **Short-Term Disability:** If your leave is for your own medical condition, STD insurance may provide 50-70% of your salary. 4. **Employer Policy:** Some employers voluntarily provide paid FMLA leave or supplement state benefits. **Key Point:** FMLA provides JOB PROTECTION, not pay. You need other sources for income replacement.