How much FMLA leave may an employee take under the Emergency FML Expansion Act? The FMLA currently allows up to 12 weeks of FMLA leave. The new law does not change (and therefore retains) the 12-week cap. Related articles Is leave paid or unpaid? What may the new FMLA leave be used for? What is the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act? What about employers that already provide paid sick leave? Does paid sick leave carry over from one year to the next?