|  | Conditions Treatments | Depression

FMLA for Depression

According to E Medicine Health, as many as 19 million Americans experience clinical depression every year. While many people manage to work despite their depression, some may need to take time off. Those employees may benefit from the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

  1. Depression

    • Employees experiencing depression may have difficulty just getting out of bed in the morning, let alone go to work. If they do make it to work, they may have difficulty concentrating, be irritable with coworkers and customers and become overly emotional.

    Eligible Employees

    • According to U.S. Dept. of Labor, employees must have worked for their current employer for at least twelve months and have worked at least 1250 hours during the past twelve months. Private employers must have at least 50 employees to receive coverage by FMLA. Government agencies are not bound by that rule.

    Covered Leave

    • Eligible employees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave due to a serious medical condition like depression. Employees must need to have inpatient treatment or time off work for at least three calendar days. Employees can then take additional time off for treatment of their depression, which includes attending weekly counseling sessions.

    Requesting Leave

    • Most employers have specific protocol for employers to follow to request FMLA. Employees should check with their Human Resources department for instructions.

    Required Documentation

    • Employees must provide their employers with paperwork completed by their physicians certifying that they must take time off work due to a serious medical condition. Certain information must be provided, such as the amount of time off needed. Employees do not have to tell their employer that they are being treated for depression, though.

Depression - Related Articles