Q. If you have a negative balance for sick leave (i.e., -149.50 advance sick leave), and you are medically retired from the federal system, how is that deficit addressed? Is it repaid out of your earnings or wiped from the books?
A. According to OPM, “When an employee who is indebted for advanced sick leave separates from Federal service, he or she is required to refund the amount of advanced sick leave or the agency may deduct that amount from any pay due the employee upon separation. However, if the employees dies, retires for disability, or is separated or resigns because of disability, the requirement to repay does not apply. The agency makes the determination as to whether an employee has separated or resigned because of disability.”
6 Comments
Does the same apply for
Annual leave as well??
Yes. “When an employee who is indebted for advanced annual leave separates from Federal service, he or she is required to refund the amount of advanced leave or the agency may deduct that amount from any pay due the employee upon separation. However, if the employees dies, retires for disability, or is separated or resigns because of disability, the requirement to repay does not apply. The agency makes the determination as to whether an employee has separated or resigned because of disability.”
I have negative annual leave and I am not vested. I have been out due to medical issues. I have been thinking I need to retire. If I do so can/will they withhold monies owed from my contributed FERS?
Since you said you aren’t vested in the retirement system but presumably have at l;east 18 months of creditable service, your only option would be to file for disability retirement. As for any debts, it would be up to your agency to decide whether to collect whatever you owe, regardless of where your assets might be.
I retired due to terminal illness after exhausting fmla after 18 years with the VA. If I didn’t retire the plan was to consider me awol. I owe more than $3000 for advanced sick and annual leave. I could not. Retire on disability as I am 70 and already receive social security. Eligibility for deferral disability requires application for ssdi but my age disqualified me. Is there a process that could forgive this debt? I am on a fixed income and repayment poses a hardship
You’ll have to write OPM at the following address, explaining your situation:
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
P.O. Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017-0045
Be sure to include your CSA number when you write them.