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Who is Considered a Family Member?
- child
- spouse
- sibling
- parent
- grandparent
- grandchild
- individual related by blood or affinity whose close association the employee shows to be the equivalent of those family relationships
What is "Relationship by Affinity?"
"Relationship by affinity" refers to an individual whose close association the worker shows to be the equivalent of one of the family relationships listed above regardless of biological or legal relationship.
This determination is situation specific and governed by the circumstances of the individuals involved.
Examples of Relationship by Affinity
Friend
A friend of the family in whose home the worker lived while they were in high school and whom the worker therefore considers to be family, despite the lack of a biological or legal relationship
Neighbor
An elderly neighbor to whom the worker has provided unpaid caregiving assistance and whom the worker considers to be like a grandmother
Extended Family Member
An aunt or uncle who relies on the worker for unpaid care and has maintained a strong and enduring relationship with the worker as typically seen between individuals and their parents, grandparents, or siblings
Parent-like Relationship
A child of a worker’s former partner who lived with the worker for several years and maintains a parent-like relationship with the worker
Spouse-like Relationship
An unmarried, significant other of the worker with whom the worker maintains a familial, spouse-like relationship, despite their lack of legal relationship to each other
Long-term Companion
A person with whom the worker lived for several years, sharing financial responsibilities of the household and one another’s common welfare, and whom the worker considers to be family, despite not sharing a romantic, legal, or blood relationship
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a worker may apply for benefits for caregiver leave to care for a family member residing outside of the United States. As with all claims for caregiver leave benefits, the worker will be required to have the family member's healthcare provider complete a Medical Certification form providing information about the family member's serious health condition.