How to apply for intermittent paid family or medical leave (PFML)
Intermittent leave is one of three types of leave schedules available for PFML. Intermittent means that the leave is taken on an as-needed basis up to the approved amount of leave time. This type of leave schedule may be unpredictable. Intermittent leave can be useful for people with chronic health conditions that can flare up without warning and for people who are caring for a family member who needs occasional help managing a serious health condition.
What do I need to apply for intermittent PFML?
Intermittent PFML uses the same PFML application process as other leave schedules. Learn more about the documents you may need to apply for PFML and how to submit them.
Intermittent medical leave
You may apply for intermittent medical leave if your health care provider decides that you need an intermittent leave schedule to manage your own serious health condition. Your health care provider will need to fill out a Certification of your Serious Health Condition form. Your intermittent leave absences must be related to the serious health condition documented on the certification form.
Intermittent family leave to care for a family member
You may apply for intermittent family leave if your family member’s health care provider decides that you need an intermittent leave schedule to help manage your family member’s serious health condition. Your family member’s health care provider will need to fill out a Certification of your Family’s Member’s Serious Health Condition form. Your intermittent leave absences must be related to the family member’s serious health condition documented on the certification form.
Intermittent family leave to bond with a child
Family leave to bond with your child can only be taken intermittently if your employer approves the intermittent schedule for bonding leave. Learn more about what you need to apply for family bonding leave.
Reporting intermittent PFML
If you are approved for intermittent PFML, you need to report your leave hours each time you use them. The most convenient way to report your intermittent leave hours is to log in to your PFML account. You can also view the hours you have reported and see the status of your reported hours on the PFML website.
If you prefer to report intermittent leave hours by phone, you can do so by calling the reporting line at (857) 972-9256.
Important reminders about reporting intermittent PFML
- Your intermittent leave absences must be related to the serious health condition documented on the certification form.
- Your intermittent leave absences cannot exceed your approved leave time.
- You must report each intermittent absence in a timely manner.
- You should communicate with your employer about your leave schedule. Intermittent leave can be unpredictable, but you should give your employer as much notice as possible before absences. Your employer may also want to discuss how they will cover your work duties during your absences.
- If you are approved for an intermittent leave schedule, you have an unpaid 7-day waiting period that begins the first day you report taking leave.
| Date published: | May 11, 2026 |
|---|