Get FMLA & Paid Leave in Washington DC
Licensed DC physicians
FMLA & DC UPLA documentation
Certification completed within 24 hours
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Trust Medical is Compliant with Washington DC Law.
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How to Get Leave in Washington DC
Complete our 3-minute medical intake
Tell us about your health condition and employment. We'll determine whether you qualify for federal FMLA, DC's Universal Paid Leave, or both — and clarify how DC's per-type leave structure gives you access to more total paid time off.
Consult with a DC-licensed physician
Meet a board-certified doctor via video who understands federal FMLA requirements and DC's UPLA medical documentation standards.
Receive your completed leave documentation
Get your FMLA certification within 24 hours. We also provide documentation to support your DC Universal Paid Leave application through the Department of Employment Services.
Why DC's Paid Leave Program Stands on Its Own
12 weeks per leave type — not just 12 weeks total
DC's UPLA provides up to 12 weeks for your own medical condition, 12 weeks for family leave, and 12 weeks for parental leave — each tracked separately. Plus 2 weeks of prenatal leave for pregnancy. If you have multiple qualifying needs, you may access more total paid leave than in most states.
Benefits up to $1,190/week
DC UPLA pays a variable replacement rate based on your income, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,190. The program is funded entirely by employer contributions — DC is one of the few jurisdictions where workers don't pay into the program through payroll deductions.
Employer-funded: No cost to you
Unlike most state programs where employees share the cost through payroll deductions, DC's paid leave is funded entirely by employer contributions. As a worker, you don't pay in. The benefit is fully employer-funded.
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How Do I Know If I'm Eligible?
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Federal FMLA: 50+ employees, 12 months, 1,250 hours
Standard federal FMLA requires your employer to have 50+ employees within 75 miles, 12+ months tenure, and 1,250+ hours worked in the past year.
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DC UPLA: Work in DC for a covered employer
If you work for a DC employer who pays into the Universal Paid Leave fund, you're likely eligible. Most private-sector DC employers are covered. Eligibility is tied to working in DC — not where you live. Maryland and Virginia residents who work in DC may qualify.
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FMLA + UPLA run concurrently
If you qualify for both, FMLA protects your job while UPLA pays your wages. They run at the same time. FMLA provides 12 weeks of job protection; UPLA provides wage replacement for the same period (or longer, depending on leave type).
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Live outside DC but work there? You may still qualify.
DC UPLA eligibility is based on where you work, not where you live. If your employer is based in DC and contributes to the paid leave fund, you may be eligible for benefits even if you commute from Maryland or Virginia.
How Trust Medical Ensures Your Forms Are DC-Compliant
Washington DC's paid leave program runs through the Department of Employment Services (DOES) — completely separate from any state system. The forms, documentation standards, and filing process are DC-specific.
Our DC-licensed physicians complete your FMLA certification and provide the medical documentation needed for your UPLA application. We understand DC's per-type leave structure and how to document your condition so you access the correct leave category and maximize your benefits.
In most cases, your employer cannot require you to use PTO while you're receiving UPLA benefits. We help you understand your rights under both federal law and DC's paid leave program.
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Washington DC Leave Laws & Your Rights Explained
DC UPLA provides 12 weeks each for medical, family, and parental leave — tracked separately. Plus 2 weeks of prenatal leave. Unlike most states that cap total leave across all types, DC's structure means you may access more total paid leave if you have multiple qualifying reasons.
UPLA pays a variable wage replacement rate with a maximum of $1,190/week. The exact amount depends on your earnings. Benefits are paid by the Department of Employment Services.
DC's paid leave is funded entirely through employer contributions. You don't see a payroll deduction for this benefit. It's there for you when you need it at no direct cost.
DC UPLA includes 2 weeks of dedicated prenatal leave — separate from the 12-week medical leave and 12-week parental leave. This covers prenatal appointments, pregnancy-related medical needs, and preparation before childbirth.
DC operates its own leave program independently from any state. If you work in DC, your paid leave rights come from DC law, not Maryland or Virginia law. This is true even if you live across the border and commute in.
Our DC-licensed physicians complete your FMLA certification and UPLA medical documentation in a single video visit. Most certifications completed within 24 hours. Over 250,000 patients served nationwide.
