Requesting a leave of absence may seem complicated. However, the Human Resources and Labor Relations benefits team is ready to help walk you through it. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions regarding leaves of absence prior to filling out any forms. Then, select the situation that applies to you from the list below for instructions and helpful tips on requesting a leave of absence.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about leaves of absence? You’re not alone. The following information represents our most frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t addressed below, please contact us at 586-469-5650 or benefits@macombgov.org.
Employees are required to apply for a leave of absence if they will be absent from work for more than five consecutive days.
It depends on the type of leave you are going to take, the amount of time available in the corresponding time off bank(s) and the length of your leave. On the application, you will see information on which time banks you can and/or must use for the type of leave you are requesting. You will continue to be paid until you have exhausted the time off banks that were required and designated for your leave. If your leave of absence extends beyond the time available in your time off banks, you will no longer be paid.
Important note: Once a selection regarding time banks is made and your leave is approved, they cannot be altered unless there is a change or alteration of the leave. For example, an employee on a medical leave who declined to utilize their PTO bank at the time of their application can only amend their selection if a leave is being extended.
Macomb County considers maternity leave a medical leave for a woman who gives birth to a child. There are a few regulations that go into determining how long a maternity leave can be, such as FMLA eligibility and any applicable policies or collective bargaining agreements. However, most frequently, maternity leave is allotted for up to 12 weeks. We ask that all employees turn in their maternity paperwork no earlier than 30 days before their expected due date.
A non-medical parental leave for the birth or adoption of a dependent child is available for up to 12 weeks provided the employee is FMLA eligible. If an employee is not eligible for a leave under the provisions of FMLA, Macomb County’s Leave of Absence policy would apply.
Employees who are on a medical leave for their own medical condition, including the birth of a child, must submit a work note from their doctor, authorizing them to return to work. If there are any restrictions that the doctor believes are necessary, they must be listed on the physician’s note, so there can be a determination on what accommodations can be made, if any.
Employees on a personal leave of absence or on a leave of absence to care for a family member do not need a note from their doctor to return to work.
Macomb County continues to provide health care coverage while an employee is out on a leave of absence until one of the two conditions has been met:
- An employee has been in an unpaid status for six months or more.
- An employee is on a non-FMLA personal leave of absence and goes into an unpaid status.
Important note: Deductions for voluntary benefits or flexible spending accounts will continue to be taken out while the employee is in paid status. If an employee reaches unpaid status, deductions will be taken out of the first paycheck upon their return, and will be retroactive. Please plan accordingly.
It depends on the type of leave you will be requesting. The forms, step by step instructions and helpful tips are listed for each leave type listed below. Complete the forms to the best of your ability. No need to worry - if information is missing or incomplete, you will be contacted by a member of the team for clarification prior to your request being processed.
Please note that submission of forms and documents does not constitute approval. Once your application is processed, you will be notified of the status of your request by mail. Please allow five business days for processing and additional time for mailing.
If you have additional questions or concerns, we're here to help. We can be reached:
By phone: 586-469-5650
By email: benefits@macombgov.org
By fax: 586-469-6974
In person: Human Resources and Labor Relations is located in the Macomb County Administration building, 1 South Main, 6th floor, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 (please call ahead for an appointment)