Frequently Asked Questions About Military Leave

What happens to my health insurance benefits while on Military Administrative Leave for active military service?

Employees on active military duty may continue their medical, dental and prescription benefits at existing coverage levels.  The State will pay the State’s share as well as the employee’s share of the costs for these benefits.  Employees that are on Military Administrative Leave will not have paycheck deductions for these benefits.  Employees on a Military Leave of Absence without pay will not have to pay for these benefits.  Employees will be billed for the costs of other benefits that are paid in full by the employee (i.e., life insurance, personal accidental death and dismemberment, etc.) in order to continue these benefits.

Can I receive this type of leave if I choose to bank all of my leave for my return to State service?

Yes, employees may bank their leave.  Annual, personal and compensatory leave do not have to be exhausted prior to receiving this paid administrative military leave.

Do I have to use all of my sick leave before receiving this leave?

No, sick leave cannot be used for military service.

Will I earn leave while on this type of leave?

Yes, employees will continue to accrue annual and sick leave while on paid administrative military leave.  The employee will accrue leave based on the number of hours being paid each pay period.

Does this leave cover any leave days the employee would like to take before returning to work after the employee’s active duty ends?

No, the only absence covered by this leave is the dates of official active military service. 

Will I have leave available when I return from active duty when using this leave?

Yes, any sick, annual and compensatory leave balance you had before your active duty will still be available.  Additionally, any leave that you accrue while on paid leave will also be available upon your return. 

Can this paid Military Administrative Leave be used to pay employees for LWOP dates that occurred before July 1, 2003?

No, this law is effective July 1, 2003.  Employees must be on active military service on July 1, 2003, activated on July 1, 2003 or activated after July 1, 2003 to qualify.

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