Q. You answered a previous question that sick time earned under FERS can be reinstated even after a separation of federal service of more than three years. I was separated for nearly 10 years and then rehired in December 2009. I had over 300 hours of sick leave under FERS. My current human resources manager claims she has no idea how to get my sick time reinstated. Can you tell me the process and/or forms that HR needs to submit, and to whom?
A. On Dec. 2, 1994, OPM issued final regulations that allow those who are re-employed on or after Dec. 2, 1994 to have their sick leave restored. If you were rehired on or after that date, you’re entitled to have your sick leave restored. If your local HR manager doesn’t know how to do that, ask him or her to check with headquarters. If any uncertainty remains, the matter can be bumped up to OPM.
