Taking a leave of absence

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Applies to: US W-2 employees. Job-protected leave is an employment right, so it does not apply to 1099 independent contractors. If you work outside the US, leave is governed by your country's law and coordinated by your in-country HR contact.

Summary: A leave of absence is an extended period away from work — for example, for a serious health condition, to care for a family member, or after the birth or adoption of a child. It is different from everyday PTO or sick time. This article explains the basics, including the federal FMLA, and what depends on your state and situation.

A leave of absence is a longer, planned break from work than a normal day or two of PTO or sick time. People take a leave of absence for reasons such as a serious personal illness or injury, caring for a seriously ill family member, or welcoming a new child. Whether a given leave is paid, unpaid, or job-protected depends on the law that applies to you and the details of your situation.

Federal family and medical leave (FMLA)

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for certain family and medical reasons — for example, a serious health condition, caring for a close family member with a serious health condition, or the birth or placement of a child.

FMLA has eligibility requirements based on how long and how much you have worked and the size and location of the workforce, so not everyone qualifies. FMLA leave is generally unpaid, though you may be able to use accrued PTO or sick time during it.

You can read the official rules on the U.S. Department of Labor site: FMLA (U.S. Department of Labor).

State and local leave laws may add more

Many states have their own family, medical, or paid-leave programs that can go beyond FMLA — sometimes including paid leave, different eligibility rules, or coverage for more situations. These vary widely by state.

To find what applies to you, search for your state's labor or workforce agency website and look for pages on "family leave," "medical leave," or "paid family and medical leave."

How this differs from PTO and sick time

  • PTO and sick time are usually for shorter, day-to-day absences and are tracked as balances in your portal. See How PTO accrual and balances work and How paid sick leave works.

  • A leave of absence is a longer, formal arrangement. It may involve paperwork, medical documentation, and specific notice requirements, and it may run separately from your everyday balances.

What to do if you need a leave of absence

  1. If you can, plan ahead — leave programs often have notice and documentation requirements.

  2. Contact the Ascen HR Team at HR@ascen.com to let your employer know you may need an extended leave and to ask what applies to your assignment and work location.

  3. Gather any documentation you already have (for example, a note about a medical need or an expected due date). If documents are needed for a related time-off request, your portal will prompt you to upload them.

Because leave rules depend on federal law, your state, and your specific circumstances, reach out to Ascen support with your situation so you get accurate guidance for your case.

  • How paid sick leave works

  • How PTO accrual and balances work

  • How to request time off