Disability vs. FMLA vs. Leave of Absence: Understanding the Difference

Illness, injury, surgery, or other health conditions can make it difficult to work sometimes. This is when you may need time away from your job through disability, FMLA, or a leave of absence. 

All of these terms can get confusing. While they can overlap, they serve different purposes.

At AWS Services and Nursing, Inc., we want to help you understand the differences between these types of work status so you can better understand your options. We can also support you with the evaluation and medical documentation needed for your leave or disability claim. 

About disability

When people refer to “disability” in this context, they’re often talking about short-term or long-term disability benefits. Disability insurance provides partial income replacement when a medical condition prevents you from working. We can do a disability evaluation to determine if this applies to your situation.

The specifics depend on your insurance policy. Some employers offer disability coverage as part of their benefits package, while you may purchase other policies on your own.

It’s essential to remember that disability benefits and job protection aren’t necessarily the same thing. You may qualify for disability payments while needing separate protection for your job.

About FMLA

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides eligible employees with job-protected leave for certain medical and family reasons.

Eligible employees may generally take up to 12 workweeks of FMLA leave during a 12-month period. FMLA is unpaid under federal law, although you may sometimes use available paid leave during the same period.

FMLA may apply when you need time away because of your own serious health condition or to care for certain family members, including a new baby. Eligibility depends on factors such as how long you've worked for your employer, the hours you've worked, and the size and location of your employer.

About leave of absence

A leave of absence is a broad term for time away from work. It can include FMLA leave, but employers may also have their own leave policies for circumstances that don't qualify for FMLA. 

Because these policies vary, your employer's human resources or benefits department can explain what types of leave they honor and whether your position is protected. AWS Services and Nursing can help you better understand if you qualify for medical or family leave. 

How disability, FMLA, and leave overlap

In some situations, FMLA and short-term disability can run at the same time. FMLA can provide job protection while disability insurance may provide income replacement.

You may also need a healthcare provider to complete medical forms or certification documenting your condition, treatment, functional limitations, or anticipated time away from work. A nurse practitioner like Angela Williams, PhD, FNP‑C, can complete FMLA medical documentation.

If a health condition affects your ability to work, talk with your employer about your leave and benefits options and reach out to AWS Services and Nursing, Inc. for your medical needs. Knowing the difference between disability, FMLA, and other types of leave can help you understand the process and plan your time away from work.

Call our office today or use the online tool to book an appointment.