Catastrophic Leave Program for Staff Employees

Posted By: HR avatar

Published to Newsletter on Feb 17, 2026

Eligible staff may participate in the Catastrophic Leave (Cat Leave) Program by making a small annual leave donation once per fiscal year. The program provides full salary continuation for employees who are unable to work due to a catastrophic illness or injury, or who need to care for an immediate family member with a catastrophic illness or injury.

Visit the HR website for complete details about the Cat Leave program.

Cat Leave Donation & Opt-Out Period for FY2026–2027

To remain eligible for the Cat Leave Program, staff members must make an annual leave donation each fiscal year.

  • Staff who donated in the previous fiscal year will contribute one hour from their annual leave bank for the upcoming fiscal year.
  • First-time participants, or those who previously opted out and wish to rejoin, will make a donation equal to one-fifth of their normal weekly work hours. For example, an employee who works 40 hours per week would donate eight hours.

Annual leave deductions for FY2026–2027 will occur in May. Please note that this is a one-time donation per fiscal year.

All employees eligible for the Cat Leave Program will receive an email in April with instructions on how to participate or opt out. Given the significant benefit this program provides, we encourage you to carefully review the details before making your decision.

Employees who choose to opt out of the Cat Leave Program will not be able to access this benefit during the fiscal year for which they opted out—even if they or an immediate family member experiences a catastrophic condition that would otherwise qualify.

To learn more about the May annual leave deductions and other program details—including eligibility requirements, qualifying family members, and what constitutes a catastrophic illness or injury—please visit the Catastrophic Leave webpage and review University Administrative Policy 3430.

Questions? Contact the Absence Management team in Benefits & Employee Wellness at absence@unm.edu or 505-277-6947.


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