Benefits are different for paid and unpaid military leave.

During paid military leave (up to 15 working days per calendar year) and the extension of paid leave through the use of earned vacation, most benefits continue to be the same as when you were working. The exception is for Short- and Long-term Disability (Civil Service/Bargaining Unit employees) and Faculty Group Income Disability (Faculty and P&A employees). Any claims made to these that are due to or related to injuries while on military duty are not eligible for payment. These coverages can be cancelled while on military leave.

During unpaid military leave, benefits may be continued; however, the University's contribution is discontinued during the time of unpaid leave. You have the option to continue medical and dental coverage at full cost for a maximum of 18 months. During this time, you can elect to continue medical and dental coverage for your eligible dependents—even if you choose not to continue coverage for yourself.

Upon return to active employment (if within five years), all basic benefits and optional insurance coverage will be reinstated without proof of good health. Your medical, dental, and basic life insurance are automatically reinstated, and the University's contribution will commence the first day of the payroll period including the date of return to active employment. Reapplication for optional coverage that was not continued must be completed within the first two weeks of return to active employment.

For help understanding how all your benefits will be affected by a military leave, read the Employee Benefits Fact Sheet: Benefits for Military Leave of Absence—Paid and Unpaid (pdf). The fact sheet outlines benefit coverage during the paid and unpaid portions of military leave, cancellation of benefits while on leave, and reinstatement of benefits upon return to active employment.

More information can also be found in Military Leaves of Absence—Paid and Unpaid (pdf).

Contact the Employee Benefits Service Center at 612-624-9090 or 800-756-2363 with questions about how a military leave impacts your benefits.