Understanding the Types of Workplace Leave

The Definition of a Workplace Leave

At some point in your career, you may need to take extended time away from work for personal or family reasons. You’ve probably heard it called a “leave” in the workplace – and there are many different types of leaves.
 
Some leaves pay you a portion of your income while you are out, and some do not. Other types give you job protection while you take care of the things that matter most. Leaves can be mandated by law, or your employer may offer them as a voluntary or optional benefit. They can also vary by state and employer.
 
To help you understand what’s available and what each type can be used for, we’ve put together a list of the most common leaves. We’ve also included a description of the wage replacement benefits that employers may provide in addition to state mandated workers compensation insurance for employees who can’t work due to a disability.

Traditional Workplace Leaves

Generally, if you work for at least 12 months for a private company with 50 or more employees, this federal law may allow you to take up to 12 weeks off in a 12-month period to bond with a new child, to care for yourself or a family member with a serious health condition and for certain needs related to military service. FMLA is not a paid leave, but generally, it does require your employer to maintain your health benefits during leave and it will allow you to return to your same or an equivalent job after leave. There are a few states with unpaid leave laws that provide job protected leave rights similar to the those under FMLA.
Military leave allows members of the military with civilian jobs to take a leave for active military service and certain military training. Required by federal law, as well as by law in some states, this leave generally protects your benefits and provides reemployment rights while you’re serving your country, including if you are called to serve during a national emergency.
This program replaces part of your income while you’re on leave. States may have different program names and benefits.
 
PFML has two main purposes:
 
  • Paid Family Leave (PFL) – provides income replacement and extended time off to bond with a new child, care for a sick family member or respond to certain other qualifying events.
  • Paid Medical Leave (PML) – provides income replacement and extended time off for an employee recovering from a non-job-related serious injury or illness (including childbirth).
 
PFML is required by law in some states, and in other states, your employer may choose to offer these benefits to you on an optional basis. Check with your employer for state-specific details. Vea nuestra Paid Family and Medical Leave Resource Center para obtener mayor información.
This income replacement leave is paid by your employer and gives you a certain period of time to bond with a new child (in most cases, includes biological, adopted or foster child). This gender-neutral policy is offered by some employers and is required by law in certain states and municipalities.
This benefit offers you time off for non-work-related illnesses or injuries. PSL may be offered by your employer as a company benefit, and is required by law in some states and municipalities.
Many employers provide this benefit to employees for vacations, sick days and personal reasons.
Employees can use safe leave to take time off to address their needs or those of loved ones who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or stalking. Depending on state or municipal law, this leave may or may not be paid.

Paid Disability Benefits

PFML is required by law in some states, and in other states, your employer may choose to offer these benefits on an optional basis.
Also called Short-term Disability Insurance (STD)
 
STD replaces part of your income if you are unable to work due to an illness or injury. The leave time can be used for pregnancy-related conditions and to recover from childbirth. This benefit may be available to you from several sources.
 
For example, your employer may choose to offer this benefit, while some states require employers to provide it by law. Additionally, you can opt to buy an individual disability policy directly from an insurance company.
 
Also called Long-term Disability Insurance (LTD)
 
LTD replaces part of your income if you are unable to work for an extended time due to an illness or injury. You may get this type of leave as a benefit through your employer or by buying an individual policy directly from an insurance company.
In most states, workers’ compensation benefits pay for medical bills and income replacement for work-related illnesses or injuries.

Know Your Benefits Options

Regardless of what you do or where you work, you may have access to a variety of leave benefits that may be offered through your employer or state. Understanding the types of leave and benefits available will help you to know your options if the unexpected happens. To find out what you’re eligible for, ask your employer or human resources department for specific details.
 
 
 
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This informational material is subject to change as The Hartford continues to receive guidance from states and municipalities. It shall not be considered legal advice. The Hartford assumes no responsibility for legal compliance with respect to an employer’s business practices, and the views and recommendations contained herein shall not constitute The Hartford’s undertaking on a company’s behalf, or for the benefit of others, to determine or warrant that an employer’s business operations are in compliance with any law, rule, or regulation. Employers seeking resolution of specific legal or business issues, questions, or concerns regarding this topic should consult their own attorney or business advisors; and employees should continue to consult their employers’ Human Resources or other employment benefits department for guidance on the application of any law, rule, or regulation.
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