Sometimes, life makes you shift your priorities. A new child, a major illness, a chronic health condition, or a family member who needs you more than ever – these are the moments you need a trusted partner at your side. As your Office of Leave Planning Assistance (OLPA), we’re here to help you make your way through the leave-taking process. OLPA will work with you step-by-step, allowing you to make informed choices that work for you and your family.
When life changes, OLPA is here to help. Here’s what you need to do:
Determine Eligibility
Before reaching out to OLPA, take a moment to think about your situation. Not all leaves are handled by OLPA, but we’ll walk you through how to determine if our team is who you should be working with.
Video: OLPA Chapter 01: Should I request leave through OLPA
Skip this video OLPA Chapter 01: Should I request leave through OLPA.Start your plan
When you’ve determined that OLPA is who you should be working with for your leave, visit our online leave portal and complete a new leave request form. We’ll help you understand everything you’ll need to apply.
Video: OLPA Chapter 02: How do I apply?
Skip this video OLPA Chapter 02: How do I apply?.Connect
Within five business days, we’ll reach out to schedule a leave intake session. A member of our team will walk you through your leave and pay options and help you figure out what works best for you. This video will explain in more detail what a leave intake session entails.
Video: OLPA Chapter 03: What is an intake session?
Skip this video OLPA Chapter 03: What is an intake session?.Follow through
We’ll review your submitted application within five business days and send you a letter of approval or denial. The video below will explain the information that will be in this letter, the differences between leave and pay approvals, and next steps.
Video: OLPA Chapter 04: When will I hear back?
Skip this video OLPA Chapter 04: When will I hear back?.Stay in touch
Leading up to and during your leave, you may have questions or changes that you need to inform us of, or you may be contacted by your manager for certain needs. This video will show how an open line of communication will help keep your focus where it matters most.
Video: OLPA Chapter 05: What happens while I'm out on leave?
Skip this video OLPA Chapter 05: What happens while I'm out on leave?.Find the online portal and our contact information here.
OLPA is only for executive department Massachusetts state employees. As a Massachusetts state employee, you also have access to your agency human resource (HR) team’s Leave of Absence Liaisons, who are the bridge between you and OLPA when you want help with HR, payroll, or insurance needs while on leave. Search the Leave of Absence Liaison directory.
The Office of Leave Planning Assistance (OLPA) is part of the Human Resources Division (HRD) and serves employees across the Commonwealth’s Executive Department. Our team is made up of fellow Commonwealth employees, just like you, ready to guide you through your leave options. We’ll work with you to explore what’s possible before reviewing and deciding on your leave request.