How Long Can You Take Off of Work in California. In general, a qualified employee can take a leave of absence for up to 12 weeks for serious health conditions, to bond with a child, or to care for a child, parent, or other family member with a serious health condition.

What are considered serious medical conditions?

Serious health condition means an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition which requires: Overnight hospitalization (including prenatal care), including the period of incapacity or subsequent treatment in connection with the overnight care.

Can a medical condition cause you to be absent from work?

In some cases, you may have a medical condition that causes you to be absent from work. Qualifying employees who work for a covered employer and are eligible under the Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, may be able to apply for up to 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave.

How to take time off from work for your mental health?

This might include sabbaticals or vacation time. Start with the nationwide leave option provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which, among other things, allows employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave from work for serious medical conditions, all while maintaining health benefits (so you keep your work-provided health insurance).

How many hours do you have to work for medical leave of absence?

An eligible employee must have worked for an employer for at least 12 months, but not necessarily 12 months in a row. However, an eligible employee must have worked at least 1250 hours (approx. 24 hours/week on average) for the employer in the 12 months preceding the leave.

Can You Lose Your job because of a medical condition?

Employees who miss work because of medical conditions might worry about losing their jobs, and for many, this fear may be justified based on past employer behavior. Some companies may try to terminate employees who fall ill or are injured. However, there are certain laws in place that protect employees who are faced with these situations.