Break in Service
OHR Home Page   jobs.sc.gov   Hot Topics Career Opportunities Employee Services Employer Services Training & Development Statistical Info How to Contact Us OHR Webmail Other Agencies State Employees Weather Alert Workforce Planning Sam Wilkins, Director 1201 Main Street Suite 800 Columbia, SC 29201 Phone: (803) 737-0900		References State HR Regulations Section 19-719.01 B. Q: Upon separation from state service, when does an employee experience a break in continuous state service? A: Generally, an employee experiences a break in state service when the employee: 1. is paid for unused annual leave except when a. moving to a position that earns only sick leave or b. entering the TERI Program; 2. transfers to another State agency and is not employed within 15 calendar days from the last date worked except when an extension of up to 6 months is approved by the State Human Resources Director; 3. is on leave for a period of more than one calendar year except when an employee is: a. on a military tour of duty; b. participating in the Government Employees Interchange Program; c. on disability leave without pay that has been extended by the Office of Human Resources; or d. considered academic personnel on sabbatical 4. is not recalled or reinstated, following a Reduction in Force; within 12 months of separation; 5. involuntarily separates from state service; or 6. moves from an FTE position to a temporary, temporary grant, or time-limited position. Q: How does a break in service affect an employee’s state service dates? A: A break in service affects an employee’s state hire date by altering the total employment time to reflect periods of authorized leave without pay and breaks in service. Continuous state service is interrupted once an employee experiences a break in service. Q: How does a break in service affect an employee’s leave? A: Upon a break in service, an employee forfeits all sick leave. Upon separation from state service, an employee is paid for unused annual leave up to a 45-day maximum. If the employee is rehired with the State, all prior state service time may be counted toward bonus annual leave accrual. Q: How does a break in service affect an employee’s coverage under the State Employee Grievance Procedure Act? A: When a State employee who has experienced a break in service is rehired, the employee receives a new probationary period which may be shortened in duration if the Agency Director recognizes prior service time. (Note: For insurance services, seek advice from the Employee Insurance Program. For retirement services, seek advice from the South Carolina Retirement Systems.) Q: How can the 15 calendar day break in service be extended? A: In extenuating circumstances, the Agency Director may submit to the State Human Resources Director, a request to extend the employee’s break in service up to six additional months. The request requires approval by the State Human Resources Director and should be made prior to paying out the employee’s unused annual leave and prior to expiration of the 15 calendar days.

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