Leave Transfer Program
Donate leave. Lift up a colleague.
The Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP) lets federal employees give their own annual leave to a coworker facing a medical emergency, so a colleague in crisis can keep getting paid. Here's how it works, and how Local 17 can help.
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What it is
A way for the workforce to take care of its own
Under the VLTP, employees can donate their accrued annual leave to another federal employee who is going through a medical emergency that's likely to mean a long absence and a serious loss of income. The emergency can be the employee's own health condition or that of a family member. Donated leave lets a coworker stay in a paid status while they're out.
You need donated leave
If a medical emergency has you (or a family member) facing extended time off and lost pay, you can apply to become a leave recipient and receive donated leave from coworkers.
You want to donate leave
If you have annual leave to spare and want to help a colleague in need, you can donate it to an approved recipient, at VA or at another federal agency.
Eligibility to receive donated leave
To become a leave recipient, generally you must:
- Be experiencing a medical emergency (for yourself or a family member) that is likely to require a prolonged absence.
- Have exhausted your available paid leave (annual, sick, comp time, and any restored leave).
- Be in, or about to enter, a leave-without-pay (nonpay) status of at least 24 hours.
"Family member" follows the standard OPM definition. Your HR office makes the final eligibility determination based on your application and documentation.
"Medical emergency" is broader than it sounds. It covers your own or a family member's serious medical condition, and it doesn't have to be sudden. A surgery with a long recovery or an ongoing illness can qualify, as long as it means extended time off and lost pay. (Non-medical hardships aren't covered by this program.)
If you need leave
How to apply to receive donations
Complete OPM Form 630
Submit to your local HR
Get posted for agency-wide notice
Spread the word: the Local can help
Need donations? Let the Local help you ask.
Because HR can't email the whole workforce on your behalf, getting the word out is on you, and that's exactly where the union steps in. Reach out and we'll help spread your request for donated leave to fellow members.
If you want to give
How to donate your leave
Donating is simple, and even a few hours helps. Use the form that matches who you're giving to.
Donating to a VA coworker
Donating to someone at another agency
Protect personal information
Forms
The forms you'll need
Official forms from OPM. VA-specific forms (the 0239 series) come from your servicing HR office or the VA SharePoint below.
OPM Form 630
Application to Become a Leave Recipient: the form you file if you need donated leave.
OPM Form 630-A
Request to Donate Annual Leave to a recipient within your agency.
OPM Form 630-B
Request to Donate Annual Leave to a recipient outside your agency.
VA Form 0239 / 0239ES
VA's Leave Transfer Authorization, used by VA employees donating to a coworker. Get it from your servicing HR office or the VA SharePoint.