When you get hurt off the job, it’s important to know how much sick and annual leave you can use. As a federal worker, these benefits help protect you during recovery. Sick and Annual Leave for Off-the-Job Injury? Let’s dive into the details.
What Is Sick Leave and Annual Leave?
- Sick leave: This is for when you’re sick or hurt. It also covers doctor visits or caring for a sick family member.
- Annual leave: This is your vacation time, but you can use it if you run out of sick leave.
Both types of leave are there to help when you need time off.
How Much Sick Leave Can You Use for Off-the-Job Injuries?
As a full-time federal employee, you earn 4 hours of sick leave per pay period, which adds up to 13 days per year. The good news? Sick leave carries over each year. If you’ve saved it up, you might have plenty of time to use when you’re hurt.
What If You Run Out of Sick Leave?
If your sick leave is gone and you still can’t return to work, don’t worry—you have options:
- Use annual leave: If you’ve built up annual leave, you can use it.
- Advanced sick leave: You might be able to “borrow” sick leave in advance.
- Leave without pay (LWOP): You can request LWOP if needed. It won’t provide income, but it keeps your job safe.
How Much Annual Leave Do You Get?
Your annual leave depends on how long you’ve worked for the government:
- Less than 3 years: 4 hours per pay period.
- 3 to 15 years: 6 hours per pay period.
- 15+ years: 8 hours per pay period.
That’s 13 to 26 days per year, depending on your service time. If you run out of sick leave, you can use your annual leave for recovery.
Can You Use Sick and Annual Leave Together?
Yes! You can use both types of leave. Many employees start with sick leave and switch to annual leave if needed. Keeping track of your leave helps you know how much time you can take off.
What If You Can’t Return to Work?
For serious injuries, you might need to apply for disability benefits. Programs like FERS can provide financial support if you can’t return to your job. This process can be tricky, so you may want expert advice.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how much sick and annual leave you have is key to your recovery. When you have a sick and annual leave for off-the-job injury remember to use a mix of sick leave, annual leave, and other options to stay on track and focus on getting better. As always, it’s a good idea to review your specific policy or talk to a TBC representative to understand all the details. The Benefit Coordinators, can help you make informed choices and secure your future.
For more information on how to optimize your federal benefits, contact us today and schedule a consultation.
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