AWOL Separations

If an employee fails to attend work for 5 or more consecutive business days, without securing approved leave, a department may elect to separate them from state service. These separations are non-punitive. Employees separated through the AWOL process may appeal the decision to the California Department of Human Resources. Appeals must be filed within 15 days and the grounds on which AWOL Separation may be reversed are narrow and highly technical.

If a member comes to you having received an AWOL Separation Notice, connect them to CASE immediately. Even if they do not wish to appeal or if an appeal is unsuccessful, the member may need to take timely steps with CalPERS to protect their vested retirement benefits. Time is of the essence here.