14.27 DEFINITION: "QUALIFYING EXIGENCY" is a term used in the U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). It is used to refer to a number of different types of circumstances that may permit employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave from work. Qualifying exigencies can include military deployments, childcare needs, addressing certain legal matters, and attending funeral arrangements. There are eight distinct categories of qualifying exigencies: (1) Short-notice deployment; (2) Military events and related activities; (3) Childcare and school activities; (4) Financial and legal arrangements; (5) Counseling; (6) Rest and recuperation; (7) Post-deployment activities; and (8) Other activities arising out of the covered military member’s service.