What You Need to Know

Employees who have use or lose annual leave must have it scheduled and approved in writing (i.e. using an OPM-71 form or email) on or before Nov. 19, 2022 (end of pay period 23). Use or lose annual leave scheduled/approved after this time is not eligible for restoration, even if cancelled for emergency reasons. For leave restoration information, please visit HRM’s Leave website.

Recent communication from the deputy chief for Business Operations regarding use or lose can be found using this link.

Employees who may not be able to schedule and use all annual leave in excess of 240 hours by the end of the leave year may want to consider donating the extra leave to the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program. If you are interested in donating leave, submit donations as early as possible, but no later than Dec. 21, 2022. HRM’s VLTP website provides a current list of leave recipients.

Help is available

Open an HR Help case:

• Call: 1-877-372-7248, Press 2
• Email: hrm_contact_center@usda.gov
• Self-Service: ConnectHR > HR Help link

For detailed instructions, visit the HR Help How-to Add a Case Guide.