Bonus Leave
Bonus Leave & Special Bonus Leave
Over the last two decades, the North Carolina General Assembly has granted bonus leave to eligible state employees. Typically, this leave can be used similarly to how regular leave is used; however, each type of bonus leave has specific guidelines for its use. Please see the chart below for more information.
Bonus Leave and/or Special Bonus Leave Provisions Chart
| Common Questions | New Special Bonus Leave FY 2018 | New Special Annual Leave Bonus FY 2018-19 | Special Bonus Leave FY 2017-18 | Bonus Leave |
| What is the Kronos code? | BONSPL | BONSAL | BONSPL | BONREG |
| Does it expire? | Yes—only upon separation or retirement | Yes—only upon separation or retirement | Yes—only upon separation or retirement | No |
| Does it pay out upon separation? | No | No | No | Yes |
| Can it be used before exhausting COMP time? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Can you donate this leave as Voluntary Shared Leave? | No | No | No | Yes |
| Does it carry over to the next year if not used? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| If used, does it reduce the amount of vacation over the cap at the end of the calendar year that converts to sick leave? | N/A | Yes | No | No |
New Special Bonus FY 2018
Overview
Amount of leave granted:
Session Law 2017-57 (the 2017 Appropriations Act) granted a one-time special annual bonus leave of 24 hours (three days), effective July 1, 2017, to eligible State employees. The amount of leave is pro-rated for eligible full-time employees who work less than 12 months and eligible part-time employees who work half-time or more.
To be eligible for this special bonus leave, employees must meet the following criteria:
- Full-time or part-time (half-time or more) “leave-earning employees”
- Employed (in pay status) with the State of North Carolina on July 1, 2017
- Eligible to earn vacation leave on July 1, 2017
- Have a permanent, probationary, or time-limited appointment type
Note: Full-time employees who work less than 12 months (9-, 10-, or 11-month employees) shall receive a prorated amount of leave. Permanent part-time employees (half-time or more) shall receive a prorated amount of the three days (24 hours).
FAQs
What can I use the special bonus leave to cover?
The special bonus leave can be used for any purpose for which regular vacation leave is used, except it cannot be donated as voluntary shared leave.
Can I change vacation/bonus requests already submitted/exhausted to reflect the special bonus leave instead?
Yes, but only vacation and bonus leave used beginning July 1, 2017 may be submitted for change. No change can be made to leave taken prior to July 1, 2017. Retroactive adjustments will only be allowed for those submitted and approved in the University time-keeping and leave system (Kronos) by September 8, 2017.
Can the special bonus leave be cashed out?
This leave has no cash value and is not eligible for cash-out. If not used prior to the time of separation or retirement, the special bonus leave cannot be paid out and is lost.
Is special bonus leave transferable?
Yes, any balance of special bonus leave will be transferred with an employee who transfers (without a break in service) to another state agency position eligible for special bonus leave.
Can I use special bonus leave to make up time lost due to adverse weather?
Yes, if the adverse weather leave occurred on or after July 1, 2017.
Does my supervisor have to approve my request to use the special bonus leave?
Yes, requests to use your special bonus leave are subject to your supervisor’s approval and must be entered in the University time-keeping and leave system (Kronos).
If I do not see my question here, whom can I contact for more information?
You can contact Krissy Kaylor, benefits director, at kstaffo1@charlotte.edu or 704-687-0649.
Special Bonus Leave FY 2018-19
Overview
Amount of leave granted:
Session Law 2018-5 (the 2018 Appropriations Act) granted a one-time additional five days of special annual bonus leave effective July 1, 2018, to eligible State employees. The amount of leave is pro-rated for eligible full time employees who work less than 12 months and eligible part-time employees who work half time or more.
To be eligible for this leave, employees must meet the following criteria:
- Full-time or part-time (half time or more) “leave-earning employees”
- Employed (in pay status) with the State of North Carolina on July 1, 2018
- Eligible to earn vacation leave on July 1, 2018
- Have a permanent, probationary, or time-limited appointment type
Notes: Full-time employees who work less than 12 months (9-, 10-, or 11-month employees) shall receive a prorated amount of leave. Permanent part-time employees (half time or more) shall receive a prorated amount of leave.
FAQs
What can I use the BONSAL to cover?
The BONSAL can be used for any purpose for which regular vacation leave is used, except it cannot be donated as voluntary shared leave.
How can I change BONSAL entered this year to a different type of leave?
Reference the Kronos FAQ for instructions: How do I cancel or modify my Time Off Request in Kronos WFR?
Can I change vacation/bonus requests (BONSPL or BONREG) already submitted/exhausted to reflect the BONSAL instead?
Yes, but only vacation and BONSPL or BONREG used beginning July 1, 2018 may be submitted for change. No change can be made to leave taken prior to July 1, 2018. Retroactive adjustments will only be allowed for those submitted and approved in the University timekeeping and leave system (Kronos) by September 14, 2018.
Can the BONSAL leave be cashed out?
This leave has no cash value and is not eligible for cash-out. If not used prior to the time of separation or retirement, the BONSAL cannot be paid out and is lost.
Is BONSAL transferrable?
Yes, any balance of BONSAL will be transferred with an employee who transfers (without a break in service) to another state agency position eligible for this leave.
Can I use BONSAL to make up time lost due to adverse weather?
Yes, if the adverse weather leave occurred on or after July 1, 2018.
Does my supervisor have to approve my request to use the BONSAL?
Yes, requests to use this leave are subject to your supervisor’s approval and must be entered in the University time keeping and leave system (Kronos).
If I do not see my question here, whom can I contact for more information?
You can contact Krissy Kaylor, benefits director, at kstaffo1@charlotte.edu or 704-687-0649.