Leave of Absence Meaning: Types, Laws & How to Request
Leave of absence meaning: An approved period of time away from work during which an employee maintains their employment status but is not actively working. Learn about LOA types including FMLA, Minnesota PFML, medical leave, and personal leave—plus how to request time off while protecting your job.
What Does Leave of Absence Mean?
Leave of absence meaning refers to an approved period away from work where you maintain your employment relationship with your employer. During a leave of absence (LOA), you're not actively working but you typically keep your job position, may retain benefits, and preserve your seniority. Leave of absence meaning varies by type—some are legally protected with guaranteed job restoration, while others depend on employer policy.
Understanding leave of absence meaning is crucial because different types of leave have different protections, pay structures, and eligibility requirements. Federal laws like FMLA and state laws like Minnesota PFML provide specific protections, while employer-granted personal leave may offer fewer guarantees.
Types of Leave of Absence
Medical Leave of Absence
Time off for your own serious health condition, surgery, illness, or injury. Protected under FMLA (12 weeks unpaid) and Minnesota PFML (12 weeks paid starting 2026).
Family Care Leave
Time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Covers spouse, child, parent, and under Minnesota PFML, extended family including siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren.
Parental / Bonding Leave
Time off to bond with a new child through birth, adoption, or foster placement. Must be taken within 12 months of the child's arrival. Both parents are eligible.
Personal Leave of Absence
Time off for personal reasons not covered by other leave types—education, travel, family matters, or other needs. Not legally protected; granted at employer discretion.
Military Leave
Leave for active duty service, training, or to handle affairs related to a family member's military deployment. Protected under USERRA (federal) and state laws.
FMLA vs Minnesota PFML: Key Differences
| Feature | FMLA (Federal) | Minnesota PFML |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | Unpaid | Paid (up to $1,473/week) |
| Duration | 12 weeks/year | Up to 20 weeks combined |
| Employer Size | 50+ employees | All Minnesota employers |
| Employee Eligibility | 12 months + 1,250 hours | Wage credits (~$3,900 earned) |
| Job Protection Start | Immediate (if eligible) | After 90 days employment |
| Covered Family | Spouse, child, parent | Extended (siblings, grandparents, etc.) |
| Effective Date | 1993 (current law) | January 1, 2026 |
Good news for Minnesotans: You may be eligible for both FMLA and PFML protections. They can run concurrently, with PFML providing pay while FMLA provides additional job protection.
How to Request a Leave of Absence
Review Your Employer's Leave Policy
Check your employee handbook for leave procedures, required forms, and notice requirements.
Provide Advance Notice
Give 30 days notice when leave is foreseeable (planned surgery, expected baby). For emergencies, notify as soon as practicable.
Submit Written Request
Notify both your supervisor and HR in writing. Include expected start date, duration, and reason for leave.
Complete Required Forms
Fill out FMLA forms, PFML application, or company leave request forms as required.
Provide Medical Certification
For medical or family care leave, your healthcare provider must complete certification documenting the serious health condition.
Keep Documentation
Save copies of all submitted forms, emails, and correspondence related to your leave request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of leave of absence?
Leave of absence (LOA) meaning is an approved period of time away from work during which an employee maintains their employment status but is not actively working. The employee typically retains their job position, benefits eligibility, and seniority while on leave. Leave can be paid or unpaid depending on the type, employer policy, and applicable state or federal laws.
What are the different types of leave of absence?
The main types of leave of absence include: Medical leave for your own serious health condition, Family leave to care for a sick family member, Parental/bonding leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement, Military leave for service members and families, Personal leave for non-medical reasons like education or travel, and Bereavement leave for family deaths. Each type has different eligibility requirements and protections under federal or state law.
How long can a leave of absence last?
Leave duration varies by type and law. FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year. Minnesota PFML provides up to 20 weeks of paid leave annually (12 weeks medical + 12 weeks family, capped at 20 combined). Employer-granted personal leave varies by company policy. Some medical leaves can extend beyond these limits as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA.
Is leave of absence paid or unpaid?
It depends on the type. FMLA leave is unpaid but job-protected. Minnesota PFML (starting 2026) provides partial wage replacement up to $1,473/week. Short-term disability may cover medical leave at 60-70% of wages. Some employers offer paid leave policies. You may also use accrued PTO or sick time to receive pay during otherwise unpaid leave.
What is the difference between FMLA and leave of absence?
FMLA is a specific type of leave of absence protected by federal law. "Leave of absence" is the broader term covering all types of work leave. FMLA specifically provides 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for medical and family reasons at employers with 50+ employees. Other leaves (personal, educational, sabbatical) may not have legal protections unless covered by state law or employer policy.
Can my employer deny my leave of absence request?
It depends on the type of leave. Employers cannot deny FMLA or Minnesota PFML leave if you meet eligibility requirements. However, employers can deny personal leave requests or leaves not protected by law. Even for protected leave, employers can require proper notice (30 days when foreseeable) and medical certification. Failure to follow procedures may result in delay or denial.
How do I request a leave of absence from work?
To request leave: 1) Review your employer's leave policy in the employee handbook, 2) Notify your supervisor and HR department in writing, 3) Provide 30 days advance notice when leave is foreseeable, 4) Complete required forms (FMLA, PFML, or company forms), 5) Submit medical certification if required, 6) Discuss how your work will be covered during absence. Keep copies of all documentation.
Will I lose my job if I take a leave of absence?
Protected leaves (FMLA, Minnesota PFML, ADA accommodations) require employers to restore you to the same or equivalent position upon return. Job protection begins after 90 days of employment for Minnesota PFML. Unprotected personal leaves do not guarantee job restoration. However, employers cannot retaliate against you for taking legally protected leave.
What is Minnesota PFML and how does it differ from FMLA?
Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), starting January 2026, provides PAID leave with partial wage replacement up to $1,473/week. FMLA is UNPAID. PFML covers all Minnesota employers regardless of size; FMLA only applies to employers with 50+ employees. PFML provides up to 20 weeks combined leave; FMLA provides 12 weeks. Both provide job protection for qualifying employees.
Can I work another job while on leave of absence?
Generally, working another job while on medical leave may be problematic—if you're too sick to work your regular job but can work elsewhere, it raises questions about your leave validity. For other leave types, check your employer's policy. Some employers prohibit outside employment during leave. Working during FMLA leave for your same employer (in a reduced capacity) is allowed with employer agreement.
Related Resources
Minnesota PFML Complete Guide
Everything about Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave program starting 2026.
Minnesota Sick & Safe Time
Learn about Minnesota's ESST law providing 48 hours of paid sick time annually.
PFML Benefits Calculator
Calculate your estimated weekly PFML benefit amount based on your wages.
PTO Calculator
Convert PTO hours to days and calculate accrual rates for your time off.
Official Resources
Important Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about leave of absence laws and is not legal advice. Leave eligibility depends on individual circumstances, employer policies, and applicable laws. For specific situations, consult with HR, an employment attorney, or contact the relevant government agencies directly. Navitize is not affiliated with DEED, the Department of Labor, or any government agency.