Connecticut State and Federal Family and Medical Leave Acts
Postgraduate and postdoctoral appointees at Yale may be eligible for both paid and unpaid leave under federal and state family and medical leave acts (both commonly referred to as FMLA) and State Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). These policies are designed to support appointees during times of personal or family medical need.
Eligibility and Leave Options
FMLA Leave
Under FMLA, eligible appointees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for:
- Their own serious health condition
- Caring for a seriously ill spouse, parent (including natural, foster, adoptive, stepparent, or legal guardian), parent of the appointee’s spouse, or child (under 18 or incapable of self-care due to a serious illness)
Medical certification from a healthcare provider may be required.
Paid Leave through CT PFML
As of January 1, 2022, eligible appointees may take up to 12 weeks of paid leave through the Connecticut Paid Leave (CT PFML) program for qualified family and medical reasons.
To apply:
- Submit a claim through the CT PFML program
- Send the Employer Verification Form to employee.services@yale.edu
If an appointee is not eligible for paid leave through the state, the original funding source for their compensation will continue to cover up to eight weeks of paid parental leave, if applicable.
Important Notes
- Leaves taken under Yale’s paid parental leave and CT PFML count toward the time allowed under federal and State of Connecticut FMLA (CT FMLA).
- During unpaid FMLA leave, Yale will continue to pay its share of health and noncontributory insurance premiums.
- Appointees with payroll deductions must coordinate with the Benefits Office to maintain coverage.
- For more details, refer to Yale’s FMLA absence pay administration guidelines.
Fellows and External Funding
If an appointee’s external funding source includes specific leave provisions, those terms will take precedence. In such cases, the leave request may also need to be submitted to the funding agency.
Process and Forms
- State and Federal Family and Medical Leave Acts have different eligibility requirements. Appointees should visit the links above to determine which leaves apply in their particular case.
- Leave of Absence forms are on the Forms, Documents, & Templates page. Appointees must inform their faculty mentor of planned leave and work with their administrator to submit the form to postdoc.affairs@yale.edu.
- Leaves Process and FAQs for appointees and administrators.