What To Do When a Loved One Is First Diagnosed With Cancer
Look into family leave benefits at work.
Why and How to Look Into Family Leave Benefits at Work
Don't wait until there's a crisis. Find out now if your company offers Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits. Companies with 50 or more employees are required by law to offer at least 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for an ill family member -- a parent, spouse, or child -- but the law also requires that an employee must have been with the company for at least 12 months and must have logged 1,250 hours to be eligible.
There are exceptions, though, and the law requires that employees give 30 days' notice, if possible, that they're planning to take a leave -- so it's a good idea to check things out ahead of time.
Start by visiting your company's website, if there is one -- or talk to someone in the human resources department. Even if you don't need leave yet, explain that you want to know what's available to you in case you need it later
