Fort Sam Houston Civilian Personnel Advisory Center



Advanced Sick and Annual Leave


SICK LEAVE: Although not a routine procedure, you may request advanced sick leave in cases of serious disability, illness or confinement for childbirth. The maximum amount you may request is 30 day (240 hours). The advanced sick leave is paid back at the rate of 4 hours per pay period (which is what you earn each pay period). Until the debt is paid, you will not have any usable sick leave.

To request advanced sick leave, you must present your request in writing to your supervisor. You must have used all available accumulated sick leave and all annual leave subject to forfeiture (use or lose) must have been exhausted. You must include current medical documentation signed by your physician or licensed medical practitioner stating that you are, or will be, incapacitated for duty, a diagnosis, prognosis, and estimated return to duty date. Present your request to your supervisor as early as possible to allow time for processing.

Supervisors must be aware that when it is known that an employee is retiring or leaving Federal service, the amount advanced may not exceed the amount that can be accrued prior to the last duty day. In the case of an employee serving under a temporary or time limited appointment, the advanced leave will be limited to the amount of sick leave that the employee can earn prior to the expiration of their appointment.

ANNUAL LEAVE: Advanced annual leave is subject to the approval of an appropriate management official in your organization. Your request must be made in writing, accompanied by an explanation of the need for the advancement. Also, all available accumulated annual leave to your credit must have been exhausted. The amount advanced can never exceed the amount of annual leave your would earn through the end of the leave year in which the request is made.

You may request the advanced sick or annual leave using the SF 71, Request for Leave or Approved Absence, if you are able to provide the required information Block 6, Remarks. Otherwise, submit your request by separate memorandum with an attached, signed SF 71.

Supervisors must remember that in considering an employee's request for advanced sick or annual leave, there must be a reasonable assurance the employee will be returning to duty. If the requested advance is approved, it should be submitted to the timekeeper who must also fax a copy to the Civilian Pay Customer Service Representative at the FSH CPAC.