5 FMLA Forms Needed

Introduction to FMLA Forms

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for certain family and medical reasons. To administer FMLA leave, employers must use specific forms to notify employees of their eligibility, request certification of the need for leave, and notify employees of their rights and responsibilities. In this article, we will discuss the 5 FMLA forms needed to manage FMLA leave effectively.

Form 1: WH-381 - Eligibility Notice

The WH-381 form, also known as the Eligibility Notice, is used to inform employees of their eligibility for FMLA leave. This form must be provided to employees within 5 business days of receiving a request for leave or a notice of the need for leave. The Eligibility Notice includes information about the employee’s eligibility, the amount of leave available, and any additional requirements or certifications needed.

Form 2: WH-380-E - Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee’s Serious Health Condition

The WH-380-E form is used to certify an employee’s serious health condition. This form is completed by the employee’s healthcare provider and is used to verify the employee’s need for leave. The form includes information about the employee’s condition, the duration of the condition, and any treatment or medication required.

Form 3: WH-380-F - Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Member’s Serious Health Condition

The WH-380-F form is used to certify a family member’s serious health condition. This form is completed by the family member’s healthcare provider and is used to verify the need for leave to care for a family member. The form includes information about the family member’s condition, the duration of the condition, and any treatment or medication required.

Form 4: WH-384 - Certification of Qualifying Exigency for Military Family Leave

The WH-384 form is used to certify a qualifying exigency for military family leave. This form is completed by the employee and is used to verify the need for leave due to a qualifying exigency related to a family member’s military service. The form includes information about the qualifying exigency, the duration of the leave, and any additional requirements or certifications needed.

Form 5: WH-385 - Certification for Serious Injury or Illness of a Current Servicemember

The WH-385 form is used to certify a serious injury or illness of a current servicemember. This form is completed by the servicemember’s healthcare provider and is used to verify the need for leave to care for a servicemember with a serious injury or illness. The form includes information about the servicemember’s condition, the duration of the condition, and any treatment or medication required.

💡 Note: Employers must use these forms to ensure compliance with FMLA regulations and to avoid potential penalties or lawsuits.

Here is a summary of the 5 FMLA forms needed:

Form Number	Form Name	Purpose
WH-381	Eligibility Notice	To notify employees of their eligibility for FMLA leave
WH-380-E	Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee’s Serious Health Condition	To certify an employee’s serious health condition
WH-380-F	Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Member’s Serious Health Condition	To certify a family member’s serious health condition
WH-384	Certification of Qualifying Exigency for Military Family Leave	To certify a qualifying exigency for military family leave
WH-385	Certification for Serious Injury or Illness of a Current Servicemember	To certify a serious injury or illness of a current servicemember

In summary, the 5 FMLA forms needed to manage FMLA leave effectively are the Eligibility Notice, Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee’s Serious Health Condition, Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Member’s Serious Health Condition, Certification of Qualifying Exigency for Military Family Leave, and Certification for Serious Injury or Illness of a Current Servicemember. These forms are essential for ensuring compliance with FMLA regulations and for providing employees with the leave they need to care for themselves or their family members.