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Official form guide
Form WH-385: Certification for Serious Injury or Illness of a Covered Servicemember — for Military Family Leave (FMLA)
Certifies that a covered servicemember has a serious injury or illness requiring family caregiver leave under FMLA. Provides up to 26 weeks of leave in a single 12-month period.
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DOL Form WH-385 - Certification for Serious Injury or Illness of a Covered Servicemember — for Military Family Leave (FMLA)
Certifies that a covered servicemember has a serious injury or illness requiring family caregiver leave under FMLA. Provides up to 26 weeks of leave in a single 12-month period.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Using the wrong form — this form is for current and recent servicemembers; veterans must use WH-385-V.
- 2Healthcare provider not completing all required fields about the serious injury or illness.
- 3Confusing this with standard FMLA forms — military caregiver leave has different rules and a separate 26-week entitlement.
Plain English
If your military family member (current or recent) has been seriously injured or is ill and needs your care, this form certifies your need for up to 26 weeks of FMLA leave.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit within 15 days of employer's request for certification.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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Field map
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Employee
1 items
Your full name.
Servicemember
3 items
Name of the covered servicemember.
Your relationship to the servicemember.
Branch of military service.
Medical
2 items
Description of the serious injury or illness.
Expected duration and need for care.
Signature
1 items
Treating provider's signature.
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Questions about DOL Form WH-385
What is DOL Form WH-385 used for?
If your military family member (current or recent) has been seriously injured or is ill and needs your care, this form certifies your need for up to 26 weeks of FMLA leave.
Who must file DOL Form WH-385?
Employees who are the spouse, child, parent, or next of kin of a covered servicemember with a serious injury or illness.
What information does DOL Form WH-385 require?
Medical certification supporting up to 26 weeks of FMLA leave to care for an injured or ill servicemember.
When is DOL Form WH-385 due?
Submit within 15 days of employer's request for certification.
Where do I file DOL Form WH-385?
Return to your employer's HR department.
How do I complete DOL Form WH-385?
A healthcare provider treating the servicemember completes the medical portions. The servicemember or employee completes personal information.
What happens if DOL Form WH-385 is filed incorrectly?
Military caregiver FMLA provides more leave (26 weeks vs. 12 weeks) than standard FMLA to support servicemembers.
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