Discontinued PTO Cash Out Program FAQs

The PTO Cash Out program is ending, effective immediately.  Eligible USA Health employees will no longer be able to elect an amount from their PTO balance to be paid out each year.

No. The PTO accrual schedule will remain as written in the Staff Employee Handbook, Section 5.3.2, and is based on years of service and hire date.

Yes. PTO balances cannot exceed 480 hours (60 days) at the end of fiscal year (prorated based on FTE). Any hours above 480 will be forfeited. For biweekly paid employees, year-end balances are final on the last day of the last pay period of the fiscal year. For monthly-paid employees, year-end balances are final on September 20. 

Those employed on or after January 1, 2012 are not eligible for payment of unused PTO hours upon separation. Those employed prior to January 1, 2012, are eligible for PTO payout at separation, up to a maximum of 320 unused accrued PTO hours, except in cases where the employee is terminated for violation of policy/rules or misconduct and/or not eligible for rehire.

Section 5.3 of the Staff Employee Handbook provides information on the Paid Time Off (PTO) program.  It can be accessed at - Paid Time Off Program (USA Health Division Only). 

Employees may also contact Human Resources at 251-415-1604 or hr@health.southalabama.edu.