How many hours must an employee work to qualify for Family Medical Leave?

To qualify for Family Medical Leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), an employee must have worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12 months preceding the leave. This requirement is set to ensure that employees have a significant amount of time invested in their job and are eligible for the protections and benefits that FMLA provides.

The 1,250-hour threshold reflects the reality that FMLA is intended to support employees who have a stable work history within their organization. This timeframe helps prevent sporadic or very part-time workers from accessing leave that is designed to support those with a more consistent employment record. Additionally, the law aims to balance the needs of employees with the operational needs of employers, hence the requirement.