Leave of Absence Policies and Procedures

Overview: 

You may need to request a leave of absence for reasons which may qualify for leave under local, state and federal law. Veolia is committed to fully complying with all laws permitting such leaves of absence. Veolia encourages employees who have the need for a leave of absence for matters involving family, medical or similar reasons to contact the Company’s leave administrator as soon as possible.

When Do I Report a Claim/Leave?

• Your own serious illness, disability, or maternity leave: You may report a claim up to 30 days in advance of a planned disability absence OR as soon as you are aware that you will be disabled due to illness or injury for 7 or more calendar days.
• Your family member’s serious illness, military leave, or your own intermittent leave: You may report a leave when you will be out of work for more than 3 consecutive days or intermittently to care for an immediate family member suffering a serious illness or to care for a newborn, foster or adopted child.

Note: You should inform your physician that you are applying for leave of absence and ask them to respond to any request from Lincoln Financial as soon as possible.

Claim Submission and Approval Process:

• Once your leave claim is submitted to Lincoln Financial Group (LFG), submit all required documentation to your LFG Case Manager for review and approval. The approval process may take up to 7 business days. Follow up with your medical provider and LFG regarding your claim status.
• Important: You are not permitted to utilize your PTO, FTO, or Sick time during the determination period while your claim is under review.
• Payment Timeline: There may be a delay between LFG approval and when payment appears in your paycheck. LFG reaches out within 3 days of filing, has up to 7 business days to process, and targets completion by Wednesdays for Thursday payroll processing.
• Note: Due to these processing timelines, there may be a delay between when LFG approves your claim and when payment appears in your paycheck. Please plan accordingly.

Eligibility:

• All exempt, non exempt hourly and/or nonunion employees should review the specific policy for leave to learn of eligibility requirements.  
• Union employees  – please consult your CBA to determine your eligibility.

Cost: 

• Provided at no additional cost to eligible employees

How Your Benefit Premiums are Paid During Leave:

• Paid Leave (VNA pays you)
  • Premium payments automatically continue through payroll deduction as usual
• Unpaid Leave or Paid By Outside Source (Worker’s compensation, disability insurance paid directly by State or Lincoln Financial, etc.)
  • Benefit deductions accumulate while you are out
  • Upon return: Deductions doubled each pay period until caught up
  • You pay both missed deductions + current deductions
• Long Term Disability or Extended Leave (more than one year)
  • You will be set up on Direct Bill with WEX
  • You are responsible to pay the Direct Bill Administrator (WEX) directly
  • Payment instructions will be provided by WEX

Questions? 

• Lincoln Financial Group Customer Service at 844-247-4446 or online at www.MyLincolnPortal.com  

Resources: 

• Veolia Policies: 

• • Family and Medical Leaves of Absence
  • Military Leaves of Absence
• Reporting or Viewing Leave Claim Flyer 
• Important Forms
  • Initiate a Leave Claim Form
  • Complete Medical Release Authorization Form and submit to Lincoln. 
  • Give Attending Physician Statement (APS) authorization form to your doctor to complete & submit along with required medical documentation to Lincoln.  
  • Return to Work Policy (HR_140)
  • Return to Work Form (HR_140.1) – Required to be completed and provided to your HRBP within 5 days prior to your return to work.

IMPORTANT! Please click HERE to find out if you live in a state that has state-specific family leave laws that may apply to you – Additional steps may be required