Eligible employees who are voluntarily or involuntarily placed on extended active duty with the National Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces are placed on Extended Active Military Leave, defined as more than 30 calendar days. Employees will receive their regular compensation during active duty or active duty training not to exceed 30 workdays in any two (2) consecutive calendar years. Active duty orders must accompany the request for paid military leave. This is an unpaid leave after the 30 days are exhausted in a manner consistent with applicable Arizona Revised Statutes and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA).
Eligibility
- Benefits-eligible employees.
Procedure
- Submit a Leave of Absence request.
- Attach a copy of your active duty orders to the request.
What Happens to Your Benefits?
- Deductions will be taken from your paycheck as long as you are on paid status (e.g., vacation time).
- Upon entering non-pay status, you may continue health benefits by making arrangements with the Division of Human Resources to pay the employee cost of any such benefits.
- Following the leave start date, you will receive a packet in the mail from the Human Resources Leave Management Team which includes:
- A form to waive, change or continue the existing benefits;
- A bill with the itemized employee benefit cost and payment schedule; and
- Other helpful information
Military Differential Pay Information
University of Arizona employees called to active military duty during an emergency as reservists or members of the National Guard may be eligible for Military Differential Pay under State of Arizona legislation effective June 30, 2004, signed by the governor on May 9, 2005. If you believe you may be eligible to receive Military Differential Pay, please email your leaves specialist at leaves@arizona.edu.
Your Rights under USERRA
- Please refer to the USERRA Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you choose to. Vacation can be taken at your current FTE (full-time equivalent). Make arrangements with your department's payroll representative to ensure your vacation time is properly authorized and calculated.
No. Employees on an unpaid Extended Military Leave do not accrue sick or vacation leave.
No. The period of active duty shall represent continuous University service as long as the military service conforms to the provisions specified by USERRA.
- American Red Cross/Armed Forces Emergency Services - Phone: 318-6740
- US Code: Title 38, Chapter 43 provides the text of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. United States Code at Chapter 43, Part III, Title 38.
- USERRA Advisor helps veterans understand employee eligibility and job entitlements, employer obligations, benefits and remedies under the Act. (http://www.dol.gov/elaws/userra.htm)
- U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS). The VETS home page contains an interactive guided program that provides valuable information and answers questions about USERRA.