WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a memo to establish an Emergency Leave Transfer Program (ELTP) for Federal employees adversely affected by the California wildfires. After coordinating with Federal agencies to assess the impact by the California wildfires in the disaster areas, OPM has determined that the establishment of an ELTP is warranted.

“OPM continues to support Federal agencies in the regions devastated by the California wildfires, and the issuance of this recent ELTP is just one of the ways our agency is helping our colleagues in need,” said Acting OPM Director Margaret Weichert. “Our thoughts are with those affected and we wish them continued safety from the devastation.”  

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 consults with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to 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. The ELTP is in place to assist approved leave recipients as the need for donated annual leave becomes known.