--- title: The relationship between paid leave and FMLA description: Employers needs to know how to maintain a safe, harassment free environment while not infringing on any freedom of speech rights.  image: https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/2024/2024%20Summer%20news%20you%20can%20use/AdobeStock_741117191talking_politics.jpg --- [![Bukaty Companies logo](https://insights.bukaty.com/hubfs/BukatyCompanies_April2016/layout/bukaty-logo-2015.png)](https://bukaty.com/) - [About Us](https://www.bukaty.com/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://www.bukaty.com/contact-us) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits) - [Strategic Planning](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/strategic-planning) - [Data Analytics](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/data-analytics) - [Pharmacy Cost Control](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/pharmacy-cost-control) - [Disease Management & Wellness](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/disease-management-wellness) - [Technology Integration](https://www.bukaty.com/employee-benefits/technology-integration) - 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While the FMLA covers certain employers and provides eligible employees with job-protected leave, paid leave programs provide wage replacement during qualifying time away from work. Understanding how these protections work together can help employers meet their leave obligations and avoid compliance gaps. 1. **The FMLA does not require paid leave** The FMLA provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons. While employers must protect an employee's job and continue group health benefits during qualifying leave, the FMLA does not require employers to pay employees while they are away from work. Employers that voluntarily offer qualifying paid family and medical leave may be eligible for the federal Section 45S tax credit. Beginning in 2026, the credit was permanently expanded to include qualifying PFML insurance premiums, in addition to qualifying wages paid during leave. 2. **State and local laws may create additional obligations** Several states and local jurisdictions require employers to provide or participate in paid family and medical leave programs. Requirements vary by location and may differ based on eligibility rules, benefit amounts, employer contributions and administrative responsibilities. Employers with employees working in multiple states should review the requirements in each jurisdiction where they have employees, including remote workers. 3. **Paid leave and unpaid leave are not the same** Paid leave provides wage replacement while an employee is away from work, while unpaid leave allows an employee to take protected time off without receiving wages. In some cases, employees may receive paid benefits through a state PFML program while using FMLA leave for job protection. These leave entitlements generally run concurrently when the absence qualifies under both laws. However, receiving paid leave benefits does not automatically guarantee job protection. Understanding how these laws work together can help employers administer leave consistently and remain compliant. Bukaty Companies' [HR Consulting team](https://18g7e.share-na2.hsforms.com/267BHvgKbS1SRggi50fXxRw) offers customized FMLA training to help employers understand their responsibilities, strengthen internal processes and confidently manage leave administration. Contact us to learn more. 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