Military Leave

Short-Term Military Training

Employees in the United States Armed Forces Reserve, including the National Guard, receive leave with pay, up to 240 hours, for annual field training or other active/inactive duty training exercises.

Approval and Documentation

Departments grant this administrative leave, up to 240 hours per federal fiscal year (Oct 1 – Sept 30), upon request. Employees may also use accrued leave if needed beyond 240 hours.

Military training for less than 15 consecutive workdays: The employee should request this leave within the department and provide official military training orders which will be kept in the department.

Military training for 15 consecutive workdays or more: The employee should submit the request to UF Central Leave using the Extended Leave of Absence Request Form. Official military orders will be required.

 


 

Reservists

The First 30 Days of Active Duty

For the first 30 days of active duty, the employee is considered in full pay status. The department will place them on “Paid Leave of Absence” in myUFL and report the military leave using the appropriate time reporting code.

After the initial 30 days, the employee’s status with regard to supplemental pay determines further actions and options.

After the First 30 Days

If the employee earns more at UF than in the military:

    • They receive supplemental pay to cover the difference between UF salary and military base pay.
    • Verification of military base pay is required for processing supplemental pay.

If the employee earns more in the military than at UF:

    • They may use accrued vacation, sick, and compensatory leave up to their regular rate of UF pay.
    • They are not eligible for supplemental pay from UF.

Upon returning from military leave, the department must submit a Personnel Leave of Absence form with relevant documentation.

 


 

Supplemental Pay

If the employee earns more in the military than at UF they can use saved vacation, sick, and compensatory leave to pay for benefit premiums. They can also use these leaves for an amount equal to their usual UF pay rate, but only after the first 30 days of getting paid leave.

If the employee earns more at UF than in the military the employee is entitled to supplemental pay, which should amount to the difference between the employee’s UF salary and their military base pay. Supplemental pay processing requires verification of the employee’s military base pay.

The department can verify the employee’s monthly base military pay by one of the following methods:

  • Contact the employee’s unit of assignment requesting written verification of military base pay information. The address is on the front of the active duty order. This method can be used prior to the employee’s departure.
  • Obtain a copy of the employee’s monthly military Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). This will provide a basis for calculation of military pay supplements as directed by UF’s Finance and Accounting Payroll Office. The employee likely won’t be able to provide this form of verification until after reporting for duty.

Verification of the employee’s military base rate of pay should be submitted to UF Central Leave to calculate the rate of supplemental pay; however, the department needs to enter the supplemental information into myUFL to ensure proper payment.

Employees receiving supplemental pay do not need to use leave balances to cover benefit premiums, and vacation and sick leave will accrue automatically.

 


 

Volunteers

Payment for the first 30 days of military service is made upon evidence of completion. Administrative leave is provided for all normal workdays during this period.

After 30 days, the employee may use accrued leave or remain on leave without pay.

Upon return, the department must submit a Personnel Leave of Absence form with required documentation.

 


 

National Guard State Service

Employees in the Florida National Guard receive up to 30 calendar days of leave with pay when ordered to active service by the state.

Leave with pay is without loss of time or efficiency rating. Absence beyond 30 days may be covered by accrued vacation or compensatory leave upon approval.

Approval and Documentation

Department approval is required for this administrative leave. The employee should request this leave within the department and provide official military orders or military certification which will be kept in the department.

 


 

Disabled Veterans Reexamination or Treatment

An employee with a service-connected disability, rated by the Veterans Administration, may receive administrative leave or leave without affecting accrued leave balances for scheduled reexaminations or treatments, up to six days (48 hours for full-time employees) per calendar year.

Approval and Documentation

This administrative leave is approved by the department when the employee meets the criteria above. The employee should request this leave within the department and provide written confirmation from the VA about their appointment which will be kept in the department.

 


 

Examinations for Military Service

An employee ordered to appear for a military service examination will be granted administrative leave or leave without affecting accrued leave balances.

Approval and Documentation

This administrative leave is approved by the department when the employee provides official orders or military certification. The employee should provide the department with the required documentation, which will be kept with the leave application.

 


 

Need Help?

Please contact UF Central Leave at (352) 392-2477 or email us at central-leave@ufl.edu.