Is paid FMLA a public charge?

[Lillyandkip 26]

Hi everyone,

 

We are thinking about trying for a baby sometime next year. I’ve been a greencard holder since May 2019 and have been at my current job since June 2019. I’m in Washington State and would qualify for 12 weeks of paid FMLA upon the birth of a child. Would the paid FMLA be considered a public charge? I was thinking that it wasn’t since I “worked” for it and qualify based on my work history and not based on a financial need but am not 100% sure. I can’t find anything officially about it online either. Does anyone know?

[SalishSea 17,832]

25 minutes ago, Lillyandkip said:

Hi everyone,

 

We are thinking about trying for a baby sometime next year. I’ve been a greencard holder since May 2019 and have been at my current job since June 2019. I’m in Washington State and would qualify for 12 weeks of paid FMLA upon the birth of a child. Would the paid FMLA be considered a public charge? I was thinking that it wasn’t since I “worked” for it and qualify based on my work history and not based on a financial need but am not 100% sure. I can’t find anything officially about it online either. Does anyone know?

It is not a public charge.  It is managed by Washington's department of employment security, and funded through a payroll tax.   It is a great and unique program in our state.  And you're right, your eligibility is entirely based on your recent (previous year's) work history.  

 

I've used it twice (once to provide hospice care to my dad, and once to recover from an emergency surgery),  it is excellent and we are so lucky to have it here!

 

 

[Lillyandkip 26]

13 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

It is not a public charge.  It is managed by Washington's department of employment security, and funded through a payroll tax.   It is a great and unique program in our state.  And you're right, your eligibility is entirely based on your recent (previous year's) work history.  

 

I've used it twice (once to provide hospice care to my dad, and once to recover from an emergency surgery),  it is excellent and we are so lucky to have it here!

 

 

Thank you for your reply, that’s great news!