WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a memo today to establish an Emergency Leave Transfer Program (ELTP) for Federal employees adversely affected by Hurricane Harvey. In the event of a major disaster or emergency declared by the President that results in severe adverse effects for a substantial number of employees, OPM, in consultation with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), may establish an ELTP.

An ELTP permits employees in the executive and judicial branches, or agency leave banks established under 5 U.S.C. § 6363, to donate unused annual leave for transfer to employees of the same or other agencies who are adversely affected by the emergency, and who need additional time off from work without having to use their own paid leave.

“We continue to reach out to impacted agencies to gather more information on the number of employees impacted by Harvey,” said Acting OPM Director Kathy McGettigan. “As always, OPM stands ready to assist Federal agencies in carrying out their missions and in responding to the needs of Federal employees,” said McGettigan.