If you plan to use Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), Military Leave (USERRA) or Victims Economic Security and Safety Act Leave (VESSA), there are several steps that you can take to make the process easier for you and your leader. Follow this guide to get started:

1. Call The Hartford at (888) 277-4767, submit online through The Hartford’s leave portal or email GBInformationUpload@thehartford.com  and begin the process of submitting a claim. You will need:
   • Name, address and other key identification information
   • Name of your department and last full day of active work
   • The nature of your claim or leave request
   • Your treating physician’s name, address, phone and fax numbers
   • The Carle Foundation policy number- 676300
2. Ensure that your documentation is turned into The Hartford.
   • For a medical leave, medical certification will need to be provided from your provider to The Hartford for the initial clam.
   • For other Military Leave and VESSA Leave, the documentation will vary based on the type of leave.
3. For intermittent leave, please let your leader and Human Resources know how you want to get paid during your absence. For example, you may be able to use earned paid leave or sick bank time.
4. Once all your applicable and specific documentation is properly completed, a decision about your leave will be made.
   • Each absence is reviewed by a The Hartford analyst and subject to approval.
5. Notify your leader of your absence with specific date(s) about when you will be unable to work according to your department’s guidelines.
   • Once the initial claim is submitted and approved by The Hartford, for future absences, a team member can call in and report their absence to their leader and The Hartford.
   • If a team member has more absences than the provider indicated, a new claim will need to be submitted.
6. In addition to your leader, you are required to report your absence to The Hartford within two business days.  If The Hartford is not notified within this time period, the absence will not be approved and may be subject to the attendance policy. 

* You are encouraged to share this information with your family members or other members of your care team who will be assisting you during your leave.

1. Notify your leader of any absence with specific date(s) about when you will be unable to work according to your department’s guidelines.
2. In addition to your leader, you are required to report the absence to The Hartford within two business days. If The Hartford is not notified within this time period, the absence will not be approved and may be subject to the attendance policy. 
3. Only report the hours of time missed and do not include unpaid breaks such as lunch.
4. Stay up to date on your leave status, usage approvals, or ask a question when you log in to your account online at https://abilityadvantage.thehartford.com/

1. Obtain a doctor’s note that releases you from leave only if you have been off work continuously for more than seven days.
   • Please include the specific date that you can return to work.
   • Please include if you can return with or without restrictions.
2. Share your doctor’s note with The Hartford and with your leader.

* Note that if you are returning with restrictions and need accommodations, your leader may need to make special arrangements for your work.

If you have questions about your leave, or about the requirements, contact the Human Resources Service Center at (217) 902-5300 or myhr.helpdesk@carle.com

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES

• Leaves of Absence