Siblings May Be Eligible for Family Medical Leave
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) clarified when an adult (18+) sibling may be eligible to take job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The DOL now includes siblings among those eligible for FMLA job-protected leave under certain circumstances.
In Loco Parentis
The most common question regards the two different ways that in loco parentis applies under FMLA. In loco parentis is Latin for “in the place of a parent.” The law does not list siblings as covered family members. However, the Department of Labor has interpreted “parents” under the law to include those acting in the place of a parent – in loco parentis.
There are two ways that people are covered in loco parentis:
- You – the employee – are providing care to someone who acted in loco parentis for you when you were a child. Your eligibility is based on the fact that this person acted “in the place of a parent” in the past.
- You – the employee – are providing in loco parentis In this case, your eligibility is based on the fact that you are acting “in the place of a parent” right now.
Employers often confuse these two versions of in loco parentis. Some have told siblings that they are only eligible if they provided care for their siblings when they were younger. This is a common misconception that confuses the two versions of in loco parentis.
Is Your Employer Required to Inform You of Your Eligibility Under the FMLA?
According to the Department of Labor, employers are required to post information about FMLA eligibility and inform employees of their ability to take leave. That information is available on this Department of Labor page under “Employer Notice”
Why Do FMLA Fact Sheets Refer to Children? Are there Age Restrictions?
The FMLA fact sheets frequently refer to children or “son or daughter” as eligible care recipients. Under FMLA, that definition of “son or daughter” includes people over age 18 who are “incapable of self-care because of a mental or physical disability” (Fact Sheet 28B). This means that adults with disabilities are eligible care recipients under the FMLA, regardless of age.
The Arc joined other members of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities in advocating for the eligibility clarification. See the two updated fact sheets and a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) document below:
- Fact Sheet #28B: FMLA leave for birth, placement, bonding, or to care for a child with a serious health condition on the basis of an “in loco parentis” relationship.
- Fact Sheet #28C: The definition of “parent” as it applies to an individual who stood in loco parentis to an employee for FMLA “eldercare” protections.
- FAQ: Miscellaneous Questions.
Where Can I Find More Information?
The best place for information about FMLA is always the Department of Labor. The Wage and Hour Division website lists information on the FMLA and all of the fact sheets regarding FMLA. If you have remaining questions or concerns, call 1-866-487-9243 or visit www.dol.gov/agencies/whd to be directed to the nearest Wage & Hour Division office for assistance.
The Sibling Leadership Network has also released a Fact Sheet on this topic, which can be found here.