While taking time away from work is necessary in situations that require FMLA leave, there is a limit on the amount of time that an employee can be away. The Family and Medical Leave Act provides twelve weeks of leave for qualified employees. That is twelve weeks that your employer is required to hold your job with no penalties. It is important to note, however, that the leave provided by the FMLA is unpaid. Many people cannot afford to take the full time when it is unpaid, but the full twelve weeks are available to you.