FMLA vs. Workers’ Compensation: What’s the Difference?

When employees face health challenges or injuries, two common protections often arise: the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Workers’ Compensation. While both are designed to support workers during difficult times, they serve very different purposes.

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What is FMLA?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period.Reasons for FMLA leave include:

• Recovering from a serious health condition

• Caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition

• Welcoming a new child through birth, adoption, or foster care

FMLA ensures your job (or an equivalent position) will be waiting for you when you return, but it does not provide income replacement.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation (or “workers’ comp”) is an insurance program that provides wage replacement and medical benefits if you are injured or become ill because of your job. For example:

• Slipping and injuring your back at work

• Developing carpal tunnel from repetitive job tasks

• Being exposed to harmful substances on the job

Unlike FMLA, workers’ comp does provide financial support, covering medical bills and a portion of lost wages while you recover.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Reason for Leave: FMLA covers both personal and family medical needs, while workers’ comp only applies to work-related injuries or illnesses.

• Pay: FMLA is unpaid leave, workers’ comp provides partial wage replacement.

• Job Protection: FMLA guarantees you’ll have a job when you return, while workers’ comp doesn’t directly protect your position but focuses on covering costs from a workplace injury.

  
  

The Bottom Line

Both FMLA and workers’ comp are important protections, but they serve different roles. FMLA is about job security during personal or family medical situations, while workers’ comp is about financial and medical support after a workplace injury.

Knowing the difference helps employees and employers navigate challenging times with confidence.