FMLA job-protected leave due to an FMLA-qualified event is limited to what duration?

The duration of job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is specifically set at 12 weeks for qualifying events. This means that eligible employees are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for reasons such as the birth of a child, the adoption of a child, the serious health condition of the employee, or the serious health condition of a family member.

This provision is designed to provide individuals the necessary time to address significant family and medical issues while ensuring that they can return to their job or an equivalent position afterward. Having a clear, standardized duration promotes consistency and helps employers and employees understand their rights and responsibilities under the law. The other options exceed this legally established duration and therefore do not align with FMLA policies.