WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has authorized the use of an emergency leave transfer program (ELTP) for federal employees adversely affected by the 2021 Midwest and Southern tornado outbreak, as well as the wildfires in Boulder County, Colo. 

After coordinating with federal agencies to assess the impact on employees adversely affected by the tornado outbreak and wildfires, OPM, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has determined that the establishment of an ELTP is warranted. The establishment of this ELTP will help assist federal employees in affected locations in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee. 

Agencies with employees adversely affected by these events are in the best position to determine whether, and how much, donated annual leave is needed by their employees and which of their employees have been adversely affected by the emergency within the meaning of OPM regulations. They are also in the best position to quickly facilitate the transfer of donated annual leave within their agencies. 

Due to these factors, agencies are responsible for administering the ELTP for their own affected employees. Employees should contact their servicing agency human resources office for further information on the emergency leave transfer program. 

In the event of a major disaster or emergency as declared by the President that results in severe adverse effects for a substantial number of federal employees, OPM, in consultation with OMB, may establish an emergency leave transfer program. An ELTP permits employees in the executive and judicial branches or agency leave banks established under 5 U.S.C. 6363 to donate unused leave for transfer to employees within their agency or at other agencies who are severely affected by an emergency and who need additional time off from work without having to use their own paid leave.