The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons during a 12-month, rolling-year period.
- Eligibility for FMLA requires at least 12 months of state service, and at least 1,250 hours worked in the 12 months immediately preceding the FMLA leave.
- FMLA can be taken for the birth of a child, adoption/foster care, the employee’s or an immediate family member's serious health condition, and exigency leave (covered family member active duty).
- A request for FMLA should be made 30 days in advance, when possible or as soon as practicable if 30 days notice is not possible.
- Types of FMLA include Continuous, Intermittent and Reduced schedule.
How to apply:
FMLA Source is the third-party vendor that the UNT System uses to help us administer FMLA leave. You may apply for FMLA via the online FMLA Source portal, by email, or by calling the toll free phone number. Please have your physician/provider information on hand, including the fax number, when you are applying.
- Online portal/website: www.fmlasource.com (create a login using a personal email address. Click on "Request a New Leave". The application wizard will guide you through the steps to apply)
- FMLASource app: FMLASourceNow (download the app for free in your app store)
- Email: FMLACenter@fmlasource.com (when emailing to start a FMLA request, include your name, campus, employee id#, dates of leave requested, whether you need Continuous, Intermittent, or Reduced Schedule - indicate any applicable; provide doctor's/provider's information including their fax number.
- Phone: 877.462.3652 (24-hour automated phone system)
Before applying: if you need advice or assistance, contact your campus HR Benefits Advisor to consult about FMLA, how to apply, when to apply, what leave you can use, etc. Your Benefits Advisors are here to help you with your FMLA leave.
Rachel.Devries@untsystem.edu; Leah.Chastain@untsystem.edu; Jennifer.Ferguson@untsystem.edu;Jamarrik.Gardner@untsystem.edu
Benefits Manager: Sarah.Blackwell@untsystem.edu
Types of FMLA Leave
Continuous: a continuous absence for an extended period as indicated by physician/provider on the Medical Certification form. Discuss with your provider and indicate the dates needed when you request FMLA.
Intermittent: intermittent absence for appointments, care, physical therapy, flare ups of a condition, etc. The provider will indicate on the Medical Certification form the frequency and duration of absence anticipated for this type of FMLA leave.
Reduced schedule: working a reduced schedule and on FMLA leave the remainder of the work day/work week.
FMLA for birth, adoption, foster care
In general, the recovery period is first six weeks of FMLA for birth, or placement for adoption, foster care of a child under three years of age. During the recovery period, the employee may use sick leave to cover absence in accordance with the Sick Leave policy. Additional time may apply in some circumstances. The second six weeks is considered the bonding period, during which sick leave may not be used in most circumstances, but vacation or other eligible leave such as comp time may be used.
Will my FMLA leave be paid or unpaid?
Whether your FMLA leave will be paid or unpaid depends on whether you have enough eligible leave to cover your absence (sick leave, as applicable/covered by policy; other leave such as vacation if you run out of sick leave). Your HR Benefits Advisors will guide you on what leave you may use. Please contact us if you have questions.
FMLA Training for Managers
Other Resources
- FAQs - Provided by the Department of Labor (DOL)
- Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act provided by the DOL
- The Employee's Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act provided by the DOL
Family and Medical Leave Act Policies
Reporting suspected abuse/fraudulent FMLA claims
In situations of suspected abuse or fraud when anonymity is preferred, individuals may utilize the UNT System Compliance Trust Line to submit concerns in confidence. This reporting service is hosted by a third party provider, NAVEX Global, to help ensure anonymity. Individuals may also call 877.606.9187 to submit their concerns. In addition to the UNT System Compliance Trust Line, individuals may pursue another option for reporting suspected fraud, waste and abuse by contacting the Texas State Auditor's Office. The Texas State Auditor's Office telephone number is 1.800.TX.AUDIT (892-8348) and their website is https://sao.fraud.state.tx.us.
The UNT System Compliance Trust Line is in place to provide assurances that all individuals throughout UNT System are held to the highest standards of ethical behavior. Most importantly, this Trust Line is all about trust. In that light, the UNT System and its institutions do not tolerate retaliatory action toward individuals who in, good faith, report, seek guidance regarding compliance matters, or participate in any compliance related investigations. Any individuals found to have engaged in retaliation will be disciplined up to and including termination.