How to Request Leave Without Pay (LWOP)

Updated 05/07/04

Extended Leave Without Pay (LWOP) is approved temporary absence from duty in a nonpay status requested by an employee for a period exceeding 30 calendar days.

Basis for Granting LWOP:
Employee is expected to return to duty or remain employed in Federal service at the end of the approved absence.

It should be apparent that one of the following benefits would result from the absence:

• Increased ability to perform the job
• Protection or improvement of the employee's health
• Retention of desirable employee
• Furtherance of a program of interest to the Government

Employees requesting extended LWOP must submit the following forms to the OHRM, room 7417, no later than 2 weeks prior to departure date:

• Two SF-52's, "Request for Personnel Action", one for LWOP and another for Return to Duty. Also, if accompanying a spouse for relocation, an additional SF-52 for Resignation may be required.
• An SF-71, "Application for Leave".

For additional information contact your servicing Human Resources Assistant at 482-3301.

For additional information on how LWOP will affect your benefits contact Vanessa Lewis at 482-8327 or e-mail Vanessa_Lewis@ita.doc.gov.