If you or a loved one is considering rehab, job security may be a major concern. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides protections for employees at many companies in the U.S.1 But is rehab covered under FMLA?
Don’t let hangups about your employment keep you from getting the help you need to quit using drugs and alcohol for good. Professional substance abuse treatment programs can help you change your life for the better and provide resources for getting back on your feet. Call 888.340.2214 for help.
Understanding FMLA
The Family and Medical Leave Act is a U.S. labor law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for certain family and medical reasons. Eligibility depends on factors like the size of your employer, your tenure, and hours worked in the past year.2
FMLA covers employers, including:
- Employers with 50 or more employees in 20 or more workweeks in the current or preceding calendar year are required to provide
- Public agencies (Federal, State, and local governments)
- Local educational agencies (public school boards and public and private elementary and secondary schools)
States may also have their own labor laws that provide additional leave protections for employees.
What Falls Under FMLA?
Employees may be eligible for FMLA leave in any of the following situations:
- The birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child
- Caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
- Your own serious health condition that renders you unable to perform your job duties
- Certain military family leave entitlements, such as caring for an injured service member
But is rehab covered under FMLA? Addressing a serious medical condition that you are living with, such as substance abuse, may qualify for FMLA leave. If you are unable to work because of your condition or need time off for treatment and recovery, FMLA might provide job protection during that time.
Addiction Is a Disease Requiring Treatment
Drug and alcohol addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that requires ongoing treatment. Substance abuse affects every aspect of your life, including your job. Continued use can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and even loss of employment. Seeking help through rehab not only benefits your personal health and relationships but can also improve job stability.
During rehab, you’ll undergo assessments that provide relevant diagnoses and treatment recommendations. If you’re diagnosed with a serious medical condition like substance use disorder, your treatment team can provide relevant documentation for you to submit to your employer.
Does FMLA Cover Rehab?
While FMLA doesn’t specifically mention rehab, it does cover serious health conditions that require treatment. A substance use disorder is a serious medical condition that significantly impacts your ability to perform your job duties.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and considering rehab, don’t let the fear of job insecurity stop you from getting help. Using drugs or alcohol on the job, missing work due to addiction, or neglecting job responsibilities are not protected and are grounds for job loss at most companies. Taking the steps to get treatment and improve your health can ultimately lead to more job security in the long run.
How to Apply for FMLA
Applying for FMLA involves several steps.3
- Check your eligibility – Ensure you meet the criteria set by the Department of Labor.
- Notify your employer – Provide your employer with reasonable notice about your need for FMLA leave.
- Provide certification – You may need to present a certification from a healthcare provider confirming your need for treatment covered by FMLA.
You are not required to provide specific information about your diagnosis. But, to continue qualifying for FMLA leave, you will need to provide enough information to recognize your leave is covered. Providers at rehab centers understand the laws and can assist with necessary documentation.
Call BlueCrest Health Group and Start Rehab
Stop spinning your wheels wondering if rehab is covered under FMLA and find the help you need. Trying to hide your addiction from your employer is not sustainable and puts you at risk of job loss. BlueCrest Health Group provides individualized treatment programs to help you achieve lasting recovery. Call us at 888.340.2214 or contact us online now to get support. We are happy to help you understand how to enter rehab and exercise your protections under FMLA.
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