How Do I Request a Leave of Absence?

Below is the step-by-step guide that you must complete when requesting a leave of absence. You are encouraged to initiate this process 30 days prior to the start of your time away from work to ensure timely approval and avoid any delays in pay (if eligible).

Step 1: Notify your direct leader.

Notify your direct leader that you need to take time away.

Step 2: Contact Lincoln Financial to request your leave of absence.

Reminder: Request your leave at least 30 days in advance of a planned leave. This allows time for you and your treating provider to complete and return the necessary paperwork to approve your leave and disability claims.

You will need the following information to request a leave:

Personal information (name, address, telephone number and job title)
Physician’s information (name, address and fax/telephone numbers for each treating physician related to the illness or injury)
Illness/injury: Detailed information of the illness/injury, symptoms and/or diagnosis
Job information: Last day worked, first day absent from work and expected return to work date

Once you have all of your information together, submit a leave request by:

Contacting the REI Health Guide at 1-800-451-2967; select option 3 for leave of absence, or
Request your leave online at mylincolnportal.com. First time users register with company code: REI1938 to create your account.

Step 3: Receive confirmation of your LOA request.

If you are eligible for disability pay: After you have submitted your leave request, a case manager will call you within two business days. Your case manager will be your main contact during your leave of absence. During this call, your case manager will confirm the information you provided and provide guidance on next steps to have your Time and Pay (if applicable) approved. They can supply information about the federal, state and REI time-off options and the pay and benefits available to support you. Your case manager will also contact your physician to obtain medical information and request copies of your medical records.

If you are not eligible for disability pay: You will receive a leave acknowledgment packet, which will include key contact information and outline your next steps.

Step 4: Review the information provided by Lincoln Financial.

Lincoln Financial will provide you with a letter via mail or email, depending on your preference. This letter has valuable information about your leave and essential forms that need to be completed.

The letter will also include information about state disability benefits and what you need to do to apply through your state. If you work in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Washington or Washington, D.C., you will need to file your claim with your applicable state. If you work in New York, your claim is administered by Lincoln Financial (no contact to the state is needed).

Information for Employees Working in the Following States

If you work and/or live in one of the following states that offer state-issued disability insurance or paid family leave, the disability pay you receive from REI may be offset (reduced) by the amount you are receiving from the state. Review the Leave of Absence Tool for details on how your REI and state disability pay work together.

Key Things to Know About Coordination Between REI and State Benefits

Certain states provide disability insurance and/or paid family leave benefits. Other states mandate required coverage for employers.

States with Paid Leave Programs: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Washington DC

States with UPCOMING Paid Leave Programs:

2025 – Delaware, Maine and Maryland
2026 – Minnesota

If you live in a state that issues disability insurance or paid family benefits, you need to review your state’s website and apply for benefits through your state in addition to filing your leave with Lincoln Financial. REI disability pay is offset (reduced) by the amount you receive from the state. The Leave of Absence tool provides more information on how these benefits coordinate in your situation. Review the Who Is Eligible for State Benefits page for information on how to access and file for your state benefits.