Who is eligible to take FMLA leave?

The eligibility criteria for taking Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave include specific requirements regarding the duration of employment and hours worked. An employee must have worked for a covered employer for at least 12 months and logged at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months immediately preceding the leave.

The correct answer emphasizes these essential conditions: an employee must have a minimum of 1,250 hours of service in the previous year to qualify. This requirement ensures that only those who have a significant tenure and experience with their employer can access FMLA benefits, reflecting the intention of the law to support individuals who have established a commitment to their workplace.

This criterion helps to create a balance between protecting employee rights while also considering the employer's operational needs. Hence, it is necessary for employees to meet both the hour and time worked conditions to be eligible for FMLA leave, accurately depicted in the correct answer.