Catastrophic Leave

Overview

The Catastrophic Leave Program allows the continuation of salary and benefits for an eligible employee who has a catastrophic need and has exhausted all paid leave. It allows employees to donate earned paid leave credits (except for sick leave or compensatory time) to employees who have a catastrophic need at their own or at a different UW System institution.

“Catastrophic need” means a significant financial hardship that is due to an illness, medical condition or injury that incapacitates or is expected to incapacitate an employee or an employee’s family member that requires the employee to take unpaid time off from work for an extended period of time, as defined by the UW System institution.

The program relies on the donation of unused vacation, banked leave, or personal/floating holidays by the employee’s co-workers.

How to Apply for Catastrophic Leave

• Review UW System Administrative Policy 1214 (formerly BN 5): Catastrophic Leave Program.
• Review the Catastrophic Leave Request Form (UWS 420).
• Determine how many hours of catastrophic leave are needed with the assistance of your human resources office.
• Complete the Catastrophic Leave Request Form (UWS 420) and submit it to your human resources office. Your human resources office may request medical certification.

How to Donate Time to Catastrophic Leave

• Review UW System Administrative Policy 1214 (formerly BN 5): Catastrophic Leave Program to determine if you are eligible to donate leave.
• Complete the Catastrophic Leave Donor Authorization Form (UWS 422) and submit it to your human resources office.

Forms & Resources

• UW System Administrative Policy 1214 (formerly BN 5): Catastrophic Leave Program
• Catastrophic Leave Request Form (UWS 420)
• Catastrophic Leave Donor Authorization Form (UWS 422)