In this section, you'll find information about annual and sick leave balances, FMLA and parental leave, leave transfer programs, and other leave entitlements.
What are my current annual and sick leave balances?
Your balances are on every LES and in your timekeeping system in real time. Annual leave accrues at 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period by years of service; sick leave accrues at 4 hours per pay period, uncapped.
Resources: LES; timekeeping system; https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-administration/fact-sheets/annual-leave/
How much annual leave can I carry over into next year? (use-or-lose)
Most employees can carry a maximum of 240 hours into the new leave year (360 overseas, 720 SES). Anything above the ceiling at leave-year end is forfeited unless restored. Schedule use-or-lose leave early.
Resources: opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/leave-administration
How do I request FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) leave and what paperwork is required?
With 12 months of federal service, you're entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid FMLA leave per 12-month period. Invoke in writing and provide medical certification (form WH-380-E for your own condition, or WH-380-F for a family member's) within 15 calendar days of the request.
Resources: Leave ticket form; WH-380
Am I eligible for Paid Parental Leave (PPL), and how does it work with FMLA?
PPL provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for birth or placement, used within 12 months of the event. It substitutes for unpaid FMLA, so you must be FMLA-eligible and requires a 12-week work obligation afterward.
Resources: opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave
How do I request advanced annual or sick leave?
You may request advances up to the amount you'd accrue for the rest of the leave year (annual) or up to 240 hours for serious health conditions (sick). It's a debt repaid by future accruals.
Resources: Leave ticket form
How do I donate leave to a coworker through the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP)?
You can donate annual leave (not sick leave) to an approved recipient using form OPM-630-A, subject to limits so donors keep a reasonable balance.
Resources: Form OPM-630-A
How do I apply to receive donated leave as a VLTP recipient?
An employee should apply in writing to his or her agency to become a leave recipient. If the member is not capable of making written application, a personal representative may make the application on behalf of the employee.
Each application should include:
The name, position title, and grade or pay level of the potential leave recipient.
The reasons transferred leave is needed, including a brief description of the nature, severity, and anticipated duration of the medical emergency, and if it is a recurring one, the approximate frequency of the medical emergency affecting the potential leave recipient.
If required by the potential leave recipient's agency, certification regarding the medical emergency from one or more physicians or other appropriate experts. (The agency must pay the expenses associated with obtaining agency-required certification from more than one source.)
Any additional information required by the potential leave recipient's employing agency.
Resources: Form OPM-630
How do I request Leave Without Pay, and how does it affect my benefits and retirement?
LWOP is requested through your supervisor. FEHB continues up to 365 days, FEGLI continues 12 months free, TSP contributions stop, and more than 6 months of LWOP in a calendar year reduces retirement credit.
Resources: Leave ticket form
Can I use sick leave to care for a family member?
Yes—up to 12 weeks (480 hours) per year for a family member with a serious health condition, and up to 104 hours per year for general family care and bereavement.
Resources: opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave
What happens to my unused annual leave when I separate?
You receive a lump-sum payment for your full unused balance at the rate you'd have earned had you stayed, taxed as ordinary income. Unused sick leave is restored if you return to federal service.
Resources: opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave
How do I request restoration of forfeited annual leave?
Restoration is possible only in narrow cases (public exigency, illness, administrative error) and generally only if the leave was scheduled in writing before the deadline.
Resources: opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave
How does military leave work and how much do I get?
Reserve and National Guard members receive 15 days (120 hours) of paid military leave per fiscal year, prorated for part-time employees, usable in hourly increments.
Resources: opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave
Am I entitled to court leave for jury duty?
Yes—jury duty is paid court leave, not annual leave, for the duration of service. Provide your summons in advance and proof of service afterward.
Resources: opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave
How do I request leave for a medical appointment vs. an extended illness?
Routine appointments use ordinary sick leave. For extended conditions, HR can combine accrued sick leave, FMLA protection, advanced sick leave, and leave transfer.
Resources: Leave ticket form