Whether you need to be away from work for an extended time to care for yourself or a family member, the University of Missouri System’s leave administration process and vendor partner, MetLife, will help guide you through the necessary steps for taking qualifying leave or FMLA leave.  

For questions, reach out to the HR Service Center. 

Applying for Extended Leave

The extended leave request process follows the same steps for all qualifying leaves: caregiver leave, parental leave and short-term disability leave, as well as for Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leaves of absence. To apply for a qualifying leave: 

  • Discuss extended absence with your supervisor to plan for time off. 

  • Provide as much notice as possible as circumstances permit. 

  • Apply at least 30 calendar days before anticipated need, where possible. 

  • Register with MetLife's MyBenefits portal, the University's primary tool for submitting and reviewing leave requests and recording time while on leave.

  • See the MyBenefits Registration Guide for registration instructions.

  • File and submit a leave claim request via the myBenefits portal or to MetLife by phone. Review the How to Submit a Leave Request Guide for step-by-step instructions. You will receive confirmation and a claim number once submitted. Supervisors will also receive notification that a claim has been filed. 

  • You may be asked to provide additional information or documentation while your claim is under review. 

  • Complete instructions included in your packet from MetLife once a claim is submitted. Packets are available online within a few hours and typically mailed within two business days. 

  • For caregiver leave, proof of relationship must be on file with the University. If needed, complete the Affidavit of Qualifying Family Relationship and return to the Leave Administration team. 

Supervisors and timekeepers can request a qualifying leave on behalf of someone else by emailing the Leave Administration Team at umleaveadmin@umsystem.edu. 

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Eligibility

Claims are automatically reviewed for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) eligibility. FMLA provides job protection while the qualifying leave provides income replacement. Runs concurrently with paid leave.

While on Leave

Most of the information you need while taking an extended absence from work will be provided to you via MetLife. 

If you need to begin leave before your claim is approved, use your available PTO and/or banked sick time when completing your timesheet. The Leave Administration Team will adjust the timesheet once your leave claim is approved. This helps ensure there are no payroll processing interruptions. 

Reporting Time

While on continuous leave, the University's Leave Administration Team will enter your approved time off in your timesheet. 

While on intermittent leave, report time away form work to MetLife via phone or the myBenefits portal, as well as your normal call-in procedure. The Leave Administration Team will enter the approved intermittent time off in your timesheet. 

If you have questions about the MyBenefits portal, contact MetLife. For questions about timekeeping and pay, contact the HR Service Center. 

Pay and Benefits

Employees will receive payment from the University following the standard payroll schedule and usual deductions. In instances where a qualifying leave is approved after the payroll cutoff, the Leave Administration Team will work with the employee for necessary payroll adjustments. 

Returning to Work

In general, your MetLife packet will walk you through any steps needed for returning to work from an extended absence. However, there may be a few additional steps depending on the type of leave(s) being used: 

Annual Base Benefit Rate (ABBR)

The Annual Base Benefit Rate (ABBR) covered by the qualified leave programs includes total income before taxes. Your ABBR does not include: 

  • Bonuses
  • Car, housing or moving allowances
  • Employer contributions to a qualified deferred compensation plan (e.g., for retirement such as the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan or DC component of the Hybrid Plan). 
  • Income received from part-time, non-benefit eligible University employment
  • Overtime pay or shift differential
  • Pre-tax contributions to:
    • A qualified deferred compensation plan
    • Section 125 (cafeteria) plan
    • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Any other extra compensation or income received from sources other than the University.