The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects your job by granting up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job -protected leave annually for specific medical or family reasons. During this period, your employer must maintain your group health insurance as if you were actively working. Upon return, you’re entitled to be reinstated to your original role or an equivalent position with the same pay and benefits. FMLA also contains anti-retaliation provisions, shielding you from termination or discipline for exercising your rights. To qualify, you must meet eligibility criteria related to employer size, tenure, and hours worked within the prior 12 months.