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FREE TEMPLATE · 2026 EDITION

PTO Policy Template

Define time-off eligibility, accrual, use, carryover, approval, records, and payout subject to applicable law.

Free PDF & Word35 detailed inputsNo signupBlank or filled
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STEP 1 OF 6

Document details

Set the date, jurisdiction, and your internal reference. * Required for completion.

State & federal requirements

Select a state to see the researched guidance available for this document. Official forms and local rules may also apply.

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MAKE THE DOCUMENT WORK FOR YOUR SITUATION

About this pto policy

Define time-off eligibility, accrual, use, carryover, approval, records, and payout subject to applicable law. This editable template brings the key details into one document: policy & procedure. Complete it online, compare the live preview with your records, and download a blank or completed PDF or editable Word document.

What the template includes

The online builder and downloaded documents use the same fields. A selected state can add relevant research prompts. Complete only applicable items; add explanations for exceptions rather than assuming a blank entry resolves them.

Document details4 inputs +

Set the date, jurisdiction, and your internal reference.

  • Document date *
  • US state *
  • County
  • Document reference
Work location & legal coverage5 inputs +

Record the actual facts, reviewed rule, and supporting references. No answer here certifies a waiver, exemption, restriction, or deadline as valid.

  • States where work is actually performed
  • Local workforce rules and official references
  • Employer size and coverage facts reviewed
  • Applicable collective agreement or representation
  • Reviewed rule and dated source reference
Protected leave & accommodation review8 inputs +

Record the actual facts, reviewed rule, and supporting references. No answer here certifies a waiver, exemption, restriction, or deadline as valid.

  • Potential protected leave category and coverage reviewed
  • Eligibility facts and reviewed decision basis
  • Absences excluded from attendance scoring or discipline
  • Requested adjustment and discussion record without diagnosis
  • Essential functions and work restrictions reviewed
  • Required separate notices and delivery references
  • Private supporting record reference without medical details
  • Leave or accommodation decision contact
Policy & procedure11 inputs +

Tailor each provision to your workforce, jurisdiction, and actual practices.

  • Organization *
  • Eligible employees *
  • Accrual rates and schedule *
  • Accrual cap
  • Carryover rules
  • Request and approval process *
  • Minimum usage increments
  • Scheduling limits
  • Protected leave coordination *
  • Separation / payout rules
  • Balance records and corrections
Additional details & signing7 inputs +

Add attachments, exceptions, and the names of authorized signers.

  • Attachments / supporting records
  • Exceptions / additional terms
  • First signer printed name
  • First signer title
  • Second signer printed name
  • Second signer title
  • Signing date

How to complete it

  1. 1. Document details

    Set the date, jurisdiction, and your internal reference. Review document date, us state, county, document reference against your source records.

  2. 2. Work location & legal coverage

    Record the actual facts, reviewed rule, and supporting references. No answer here certifies a waiver, exemption, restriction, or deadline as valid. Review states where work is actually performed, local workforce rules and official references, employer size and coverage facts reviewed, applicable collective agreement or representation and the remaining details against your source records.

  3. 3. Protected leave & accommodation review

    Record the actual facts, reviewed rule, and supporting references. No answer here certifies a waiver, exemption, restriction, or deadline as valid. Review potential protected leave category and coverage reviewed, eligibility facts and reviewed decision basis, absences excluded from attendance scoring or discipline, requested adjustment and discussion record without diagnosis and the remaining details against your source records.

  4. 4. Policy & procedure

    Tailor each provision to your workforce, jurisdiction, and actual practices. Review organization, eligible employees, accrual rates and schedule, accrual cap and the remaining details against your source records.

  5. 5. Additional details & signing

    Add attachments, exceptions, and the names of authorized signers. Review attachments / supporting records, exceptions / additional terms, first signer printed name, first signer title and the remaining details against your source records.

Practical tips

  • Be specific. A clear description is easier to verify than a broad label.
  • Download Word if you need to add an attachment or adjust the layout.
  • Keep the completed document and supporting records together.

RESEARCH & REQUIRED NEXT STEPS

Federal requirements to review

Exclude qualifying protected leave from attendance discipline

DOL explains that protected FMLA leave must not be counted against employees through negative attendance points or retaliation. Review employer coverage, employee eligibility, qualifying circumstances, and required notices before an attendance decision. A depleted PTO balance does not itself resolve whether the absence is protected.

DOL — FMLA employee protections

Accommodation review can continue after ordinary leave ends

EEOC explains that unpaid leave or schedule changes can be reasonable accommodations, subject to the applicable coverage and undue-hardship analysis. Do not automatically terminate when an ordinary leave limit expires or demand a diagnosis in a public form. Record essential functions, the requested adjustment, discussion, and review outcome separately from medical records.

EEOC — Employer-provided leave and the ADA

Frequently asked questions