Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) Certification Practice Test

Can the stepson or stepdaughter of a covered service member take military caregiver leave?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only in emergencies

4. Only if consented by the service member

The correct answer is: Yes

The stepson or stepdaughter of a covered service member can indeed take military caregiver leave, which is a benefit provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for situations involving a qualifying exigency or to care for a service member with a serious injury or illness. This option recognizes the diverse family structures that exist within military families, allowing stepchildren to be included in caregiver leave provisions. The law acknowledges that family relationships can extend beyond biological connections, thus granting the same rights and protections to stepsons and stepdaughters as biological children when it comes to caregiving for a service member. This inclusion reflects a broad understanding of what constitutes a family in the context of military service and ensures that support is available for all family members who might be caregivers.