At the University of Iowa, we understand that life can sometimes present unexpected challenges. Our Catastrophic Leave program is designed to support regular faculty and staff during times of significant personal hardship. Whether you're facing a serious illness, injury, or other critical situations, this program provides the necessary leave to help you navigate through these difficult times.
On this page, you'll find detailed information on how to apply for Catastrophic Leave, including eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the application process. Our goal is to ensure that you have the support you need when you need it most.
If you have any questions or require additional support, please do not hesitate to contact our HR team. We're here to help.
Catastrophic Illness or Injury
"Catastrophic illness or injury" means an illness or injury resulting in a health condition for which a treating health care provider has certified the condition is likely to result in a loss of 30 or more workdays (6 weeks) during a 12-month period.
Eligibility
All faculty and staff who hold regular appointments of 50% or greater and accrue vacation or sick leave benefits are eligible to receive donations if they meet the standard definition above. The employee will need to provide the required certification stating that they will be absent for at least 30 workdays, have exhausted all paid leave, and are not receiving any other supplemental payments (e.g., long-term disability payments, workers' compensation benefits).
Applying for Catastrophic Leave
Applications will only be considered if the treating provider indicates the illness or injury will result in the absence from work for at least 30 workdays. If extended absences are needed beyond the anticipated return to work date indicated on your application, new medical documentation to support the extended absences will be required.
To avoid delays, please provide all requested information on the application. Incomplete applications will be returned.
Please note: Applications received after you have returned to work will not be considered.
Catastrophic Leave Applications
Complete one of the following forms and send it to University Benefits.
Your Own Illness or Injury
A Family Member's Illness or Injury
Application Review Process
Approximately 7-10 business days after University Benefits receives your application. A letter confirming your eligibility determination will be sent to your UIOWA email address and mailed to your home address.
Please note: Unless you are on FMLA, being deemed eligible for catastrophic leave does not automatically approve you for the use of donated hours, as this decision is at the discretion of your department.
Confidentiality
The catastrophic leave application and healthcare provider certification form are confidential medical documents maintained only in the University Benefits Office. Applicants will not have their names added to the list of faculty and staff in need of donations unless they elect this option on the catastrophic leave application form.
Donations
While the university does not actively solicit donations, employees can seek assistance through various channels. By opting to include their name on the website list, directly requesting donations from peers, or coordinating with their department to spread the word, recipients can gather the necessary leave to manage their absences. This program enables employees to focus on recovery without the added burden of financial stress, thereby fostering a compassionate and supportive work environment.
How to Use Donations
Communicate absences related to the qualified injury or illness regularly to your department, so the correct number of hours is reported to the University Benefits Office.
Our office will then process donations as you need them for absences related to the qualified injury or illness:
- Beyond those absences that can already be covered by your own vacation and sick leave accruals, for an employee's own catastrophic illness or injury.
- Beyond those, your own vacation and family caregiving leave accruals can cover a family member's catastrophic illness or injury.
Please note: If you are on a non-FMLA Leave of Absence, approval for the use of donated hours is at the discretion of your department.
Maximum Use of Leave
Birth of a Child:
- The six weeks immediately following the birth of a child (non-medically required bonding beyond six weeks must be taken as unpaid leave).
Long Term Disability (LTD):
- The amount necessary to cover the LTD waiting period, or
- One year (12 months) if the employee is not eligible for LTD benefits.
- The 12 months may be extended for a new occurrence of the same illness or injury if the individual is not eligible for LTD. However, new medical documentation must be provided AND a new 30-day waiting period must be met.
Donated Accruals
- For an employee's own catastrophic illness or injury, donations are applied to the employee's time record as sick leave. This occurs after the employee has exhausted all paid sick leave, vacation, and compensatory time to which they are entitled and has not yet satisfied the 90-working-day waiting period for long-term disability benefits. The need for donations is reviewed on a monthly basis.
- For a family member’s catastrophic illness or injury, donations are applied to the employee's time record as vacation leave, except for 9-month faculty and staff members, whose donations will be applied as family caregiving leave. Donations are used when the employee has exhausted all the family caregiving (sick) leave, vacation, and compensatory time to which they are entitled.
ABOUT OUR SITE:
The information on this webpage describes only the highlights of the leave programs here at the University of Iowa. Additional terms and conditions may apply. If there are any discrepancies between the information contained herein and the official policies, the policy manual will govern.