PTO and Resignation Checklist - Protect Your Time Off
Essential checklist for handling your PTO when leaving a job. Learn what to review before resigning, your payout rights, and strategies for maximizing your accrued time off.
Before You Resign: PTO Checklist
Before submitting your resignation, take inventory of your PTO situation. Check your current PTO balance, review your employer's payout policy, understand your state's laws, and decide whether to use remaining PTO before or after resigning.
Review Your Employer's Policy
Check your employee handbook for: PTO payout upon resignation, whether you can use PTO during your notice period, any forfeiture clauses, and how final PTO is calculated. Document this information before having any resignation conversations.
Using PTO During Notice Period
Some employers allow you to use PTO during your notice period, while others don't. Using PTO might extend your benefits coverage or affect your final pay. Discuss options with HR to understand what's permitted.
Maximizing Your PTO Value
Strategies include: Using PTO before resigning if your employer doesn't pay out, negotiating PTO payout as part of your exit, timing your resignation to capture any PTO that would otherwise expire, or keeping records of all PTO communications.