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Together, we prepare people for work.
MILITARY LEAVE
Goodwill-Easter Seals complies with the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
(USERRA) and applicable state law pertaining to military leave. Employees who are required to fulfill
military obligations in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States or in-state military service
will be given the necessary time off and reinstated in accordance with applicable law.
The need for military leave should be requested (verbally or in writing) from your manager and Human
Resources, so leave arrangements can be made as early as possible. When an employee’s military leave
has ended, they must notify their manager and Human Resources of their intent to return to
employment as required by applicable law. In general, the employee must report back to work or apply
for reemployment within the following timeframes:
• Less than 31 days of military service: report next scheduled workday after safe travel and
eight hours rest.
• 31–180 days of military service: apply within 14 days after completion of military service.
• More than 180 days of military service: apply within 90 days after completion of military
service.
Employees must also submit documentation upon returning to work or reapplying for work to their
manager or Human Resources if the leave has lasted longer than 30 days. Examples of accepted
documentation:
• DoD (Department of Defense) 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
• Copy of duty orders prepared by the facility where the orders were fulfilled.
• Letter from the commanding officer of a Personnel Support Activity.
• Certificate of completion from military training school.
• Discharge certificate showing the character of service.
• Copy of extracts from payroll showing periods of service.
Employees may be eligible to continue their benefits under COBRA at the time their leave begins (active
employee rates apply if the leave is less than 31 days). Upon return to work, they may immediately
participate in benefits without a waiting period. PTO and other time off benefits will not accrue while
the employee is on leave. However, seniority will continue as if the employee had been continuously
employed. Upon return, the employee may elect to make up any missed 401(k) retirement plan
contributions, up to limits allowed by law. Employees do not receive holiday pay or bereavement
allowance during the duration of their leave.
This policy does not cover all possible situations and circumstances that can occur in connection with
the military service of an employee. As military leave situations arise, employees should consult with
Human Resources for complete details regarding their military leave rights.
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