What is intermittent FMLA leave?

Intermittent FMLA allows you to take leave in smaller increments when medically necessary. **What It Is:** Instead of taking 12 weeks all at once, you take time as needed: - A few hours for appointments - Days for treatment - Weeks for flare-ups **When It's Allowed:** - **Medical conditions:** Intermittent leave must be medically necessary (e.g., chemotherapy appointments, chronic condition flare-ups) - **Newborn/adoption:** Only with employer agreement for bonding (employers can require continuous leave) **How It Works:** - Leave is tracked in increments (often hourly) - 12 weeks = 480 hours for full-time - Each absence deducts from your balance **Employee Rights:** - Cannot be penalized for intermittent absences - Must make reasonable effort to schedule treatment - Can take leave in smallest increment employer uses **Employer Rights:** - Can temporarily transfer employee to equivalent position - Can require recertification every 30 days - Can ask for reasonable documentation **Example:** An employee with migraines might take 2-3 days per month when episodes occur, using intermittent FMLA rather than one continuous block.