FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave to "eligible" employees for certain family and medical reasons. What determines FMLA eligibility?FMLA leave provides job protection for up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave due to an illness, injury, birth, or adoption. The Family and Medical Leave Act was passed in 1993, and entitles eligible employees to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period. The FMLA does not require that the leave be paid. Under FMLA, an employee may take up to 12 weeks of protected leave over a period of 12 months for certain reasons. But the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides for parental leave for covered employees. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. FMLA protects up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave per year for a serious medical condition or childbirth. Requests for Parental Leave should be made within 30 days of due date or placement of a child.