What is the difference between leave without pay (LWOP) and absence without leave (AWOL)?
Leave Without Pay (LWOP) is a temporary non-pay status and absence from duty that, in most cases, is granted upon an employee’s request. LWOP differs from absence without leave (AWOL) in that LWOP is an approved leave status. What are the effects of LWOP on an employee? Life Insurance: Life Insurance (FEGLI) coverage continues for 12 consecutive months in a nonpay status without cost to the employee (5 CFR 870.401(c)), or to the agency (5 CFR 870.401(d)). The nonpay status may be continuous, or it may be broken by a return to duty for periods of less than 4 consecutive months. Health Benefits:Enrollment continues for no more than 365 days in a nonpay status. The nonpay status may be continuous or broken by periods of less than 4 consecutive months in a pay status (5 CFR 890.303(e)). The Government contribution continues while employees are in a nonpay status. The employee may choose between paying the agency directly for his or her contributions on a current basis or having the premium
