How many months must a covered employee have worked for an employer to be eligible for a leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

To be eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), an employee must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months. This requirement ensures that employees have a sufficient tenure with the organization before they can access the job-protected leave benefits provided by the FMLA.

This period can include time worked for the employer before taking leave, allowing employees who have been with the organization for a year or longer to plan for significant life events, such as caring for a newborn, addressing personal medical issues, or attending to the needs of a family member with health concerns. The establishment of a 12-month requirement is a way to balance employee rights and employer obligations, ensuring that those who have demonstrated commitment to their roles can benefit from these critical provisions.

Given this context, any other duration specified in the options is insufficient in meeting the eligibility criteria set by the FMLA.