On Leave Associate FAQs (2024)

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What systems can I access during my leave?

How does benefits enrollment and billing work during my leave?

I have questions about my pay.

I need proof of coverage, verification of employment, or a form completed.

It’s time to return to work. What do I need to do?

Information about Sedgwick

What are the different types of leave?

I have questions about my W-2 or other tax form.

What systems can I access during my leave?

You retain full access to www.MyLowesBenefits.com and limited access to Workday while on leave. During your leave, you’re coded as "inactive" and your access to other Lowe’s systems is turned off.

“Associate on Leave” limited access enables you to:

  • Update contact information
  • View or print paystubs
  • Update direct deposit information

Your log in information will be different while you are on leave – single sign on (SSO) will not work. Access Workday the same way you normally would – through the mobile app or by visiting https://wd5.myworkday.com/wday/authgwy/lowes/login.html

  1. Instead of clicking Lowe’s, like you would when active, click Former Associate/On Leave.
  2. When accessing for the first time during your leave, click Forgot Password?
  3. When prompted, enter your sales ID number (without leading 0’s) and the personal email address on file in Workday.
  4. Click Submit.

If the information you entered (sales ID and personal email address) matches what is on file in Workday, you will receive a password reset email from lowes@myworkday.com.

Note: The reset email is valid for one (1) hour. If the link expires or you do not receive the password reset email, complete the Inquiry Formto send a case to the Associate Care Center.

  1. Log in to Workday.
  2. Under Timely Suggestions, click Update Contact Info.
  3. Click the pencil icon for the contact information you need to update (home address, phone, or email).
  4. Click the pencil icon to edit the contact information.
  5. When finished, click Done in the upper right corner.
  6. Click Close in the upper left corner.
    **If you need to update additional contact information, repeat steps 3-6 for each type**
  7. Once all necessary updates have been completed, click Submit at the bottom of the screen.
  8. A Success screen will pop up.

Yes. You and any family member may use Magellan’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work/Life services. Call a confidential Magellan counselor at 1-877-543-3875.

How does benefits enrollment and billing work during my leave?

This can happen during any leave of absence (LOA) for these reasons:

  • You haven’t paid your Lowe's Benefits Service Center premium bills.
  • You’ve cancelled coverage via the Benefits Service Center.
  • Your leave exceeded 180 days (unless otherwise required by state law). After 180 days of continuous leave, you may continue benefits through COBRA.

You can re-enroll when you return from leave.

Paid leaves include Full-Time Short-Term Disability (STD), Maternity (MAT), or Parental (PAR).

  • Premiums are deducted from your bi-weekly paycheck.

Note: If paid benefits don’t cover the full premium—or if claim approval is delayed and you miss a payment—the unpaid amount goes into an arrears account payable when you return from LOA.

Unpaid LOA includes Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Personal Leave, Military Leave, Worker’s Compensation, Administrative Leave, and Unapproved Leave.

  • You’re billed monthly at your home address for your portion of the group insurance premiums and have three (3) payment options:
    • Online payments using your bank account with Pay Now at www.MyLowesBenefits.com.
    • Automatic direct debit from your bank account, which you can set up online at www.MyLowesBenefits.com.
    • Mail a check or money order, payable to Lowe’s, to the statement address.
    • If you don’t get a statement within two (2) weeks of your leave start date, call 1-844-HR-LOWES (1-844-475-6937).
      • For English, press 1. For Spanish, press 2.
      • Current associates, press 2.
      • Health and Financial Benefits, press 4.
      • Information on Health Benefits, press 1.

Note: If your payments lapse, you’ll get a benefits cancellation notice.

If you don’t wish to change your current benefits — except for Flexible and Dependent Spending accounts that require annual election — no action is needed during Annual Enrollment.

If you are on an unpaid leave, you can request cancellation within 31 days of your leave start date at www.MyLowesBenefits.com or call 1-844-HR-LOWES (1-844-475-6937):

  • For English, press 1. For Spanish, press 2.
  • Current associates, press 2.
  • Health and Financial Benefits, press 4.
  • Information on Health Benefits, press 1.

Visit www.MyLowesBenefits.com and select the appropriate qualifying life event at Family Changes/Continuing Coverage through COBRA.  If your life event isn’t listed, contact the ACC at 1-844-HR-LOWES. You have 31 days to enroll eligible dependent(s).   

You may continue coverage, but you can’t change or add coverage or dependents. You may elect coverage changes during Annual Enrollment or drop coverage at any time on COBRA.

  • If you have met the full-time threshold under the Affordable Care Act and are within a stability period, you will continue your full-time medical plan.  If you wish to change your election to the part-time medical plan, you will need to make your election within 31 days of your transfer.  All other benefits will follow the part-time benefit offerings.
  • If you did not meet the full-time threshold under the Affordable Care Act, you can continue full-time benefits at full price under COBRA for 18 months or enroll in benefits at the part-time associate rate.

I have questions about my pay.

Your limited access to Workday allows you to edit direct deposit information as needed.

Review your claim status, and be aware that:

  • Pending claims are not paid until approved.
  • Sedgwick approves payments, but Lowe’s pays them. That may delay approval and payment.
  • If you live in a state with a paid disability or leave plan, it offsets your Sedgwick payment. There could be a reduced payment or non-payment.

Note: For state-paid leave or disability, apply separately through the state administrator. Supply Sedgwick with the award or denial letter.

This varies depending on the incentive(s). Send a case to the Associate Care Center at Inquiry Form. Include the name and date of the incentive(s) you’re asking about.

I need proof of coverage, verification of employment, or a form completed.

Contact Lowe’s Benefits Service Center at www.MyLowesBenefits.com; or call 1-844-HR-LOWES (1-844-475-6937) and follow these prompts:

  • For English, press 1. For Spanish, press 2.
  • Current associates, press 2.
  • Health and Financial Benefits, press 4.
  • Information on Health Benefits, press 1.

Contact The Work Number® at one of the following options (Lowe's employer code is 11116).

  • www.theworknumber.com/verifier
  • 1-800-367-2884 (interactive voice response system)
  • 1-800-996-7566 (live customer service representative, available Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, Eastern Time)

Visit https://employees.theworknumber.com. Log in or register to create a free account. Lowe's employer code is 11116.

  • For work history available at The Work Number, select Employment Data Report.
  • For an employment or income verification letter, select Letters Center.
  • To grant a verifier one-time access to your salary information, select Grant Access to Salary Info.

Lenders or other third parties can visit www.theworknumber.com or call The Work Number Client Service Center at 1-800-367-5690.

  • Lowes uses The Work Number® service from Equifax to provide automated income and employment verifications for all Lowe’s associates.
  • The Lowe’s employer code is 11116.

If the lender or third party can’t use The Work Number®, complete the Inquiry Formto send a case to the Associate Care Center.

Requests made through The Work Number® are completed instantly. If for any reason a lender or third party can’t use The Work Number, verification by Lowe’s HR can take up to ten (10) business days to complete.

Fill out the Inquiry Formto send a case to the Associate Care Center.

Fill out the Inquiry Formto send a case to the Associate Care Center. Provide all request-related details. All requests will be reviewed in a timely manner and fulfilled when state or local law requires it.

It’s time to return to work. What do I need to do?

We are glad you are ready to come back! For the smoothest return:

  • Contact Sedgwick online or by phone, at least 48 hours before you plan to return to work, to restore access to Lowe’s systems.
    • Visit www.MyLowesBenefits.com and click on Sedgwick: Leaves, Accom. & Workers Comp
    • Call Sedgwick at 1-855-286-8980
  • Contact your People Leader so they can put you back on the schedule

Note: If you don’t contact Sedgwick before you return, it may take up to five (5) days to be reinstated.

Allow 48 hours after you’ve notified Sedgwick for your information to update in all systems.

Notify your people leader in writing.

You’re expected to return to work; but if you can’t return on the date indicated on your leave approval, you may request additional leave. Contact Sedgwick at 1-855-286-8980.

Note: If you don’t return to work or contact your people leader or Sedgwick, it may be considered a voluntary employment resignation or unapproved time off.

If you must extend your military service leave, contact Sedgwick and your people leader.

Note: Failure to do so may result in your time away not being approved and could impact your employment. Contact Sedgwick for details.

Contact Sedgwick and your people leader at least two (2) business days before your desired return date.

Note: If returning from a medical leave, you may need to provide a medical release form to Sedgwick and your people leader.

Note: Once you’ve entered your return in Workday, it can take up to 48 hours for full system access. If you still have access issues, contact Lowe’s IT support.

Information about Sedgwick

As Lowe’s third party claims administrator, Sedgwick manages the details of leaves, accommodations, and workers compensation claims. It is important to maintain communication with Sedgwick during your leave and make sure they have all paperwork necessary for your claim.

Contact Sedgwick online or by phone:

  • Visit www.MyLowesBenefits.com and click on Sedgwick: Leaves, Accom. & Workers Comp to access the mySedgwick portal
  • Call 1-855-286-8980

Using the mySedgwick portal allows you to view details about your claim, as well as upload documents. You can also communicate with your leave/disability/ADA specialist through mySedgwick, as an alternative to phone calls and wait times.

Hours are different based on the service needed:

  • To submit a leave claim: 24/7/365 days per year
  • For basic questions: Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (CST)
  • To speak with leave/disability/ADA specialist: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CST)

Send documents by upload, fax, email, or mail. Include your name and claim number on each page you submit.

  • Upload: visit www.MyLowesBenefits.com and click on Sedgwick: Leaves, Accom. & Workers Comp to access the mySedgwick dashboard
  • Fax: 1-859-280-4983
  • Email: LowesClaimInfo@Sedgwick.com. Documents should be submitted as attachments, not inserted into the email.
  • Mail: PO Box 14671, Lexington, KY 40512

Yes, you can enter your Lowe’s sales ID or the last four (4) digits of your social security number for verification.

Yes, Sedgwick has Spanish speaking team members to help callers. However, all written communications are in English.

What are the different types of leave?

FMLA

You must work 1250 hours in the rolling 12 months prior to the first day of your LOA; and you must be a Lowe’s employee for 12 months prior to the first day of your leave.

Note: We’ll review any prior leave or FMLA usage of FMLA for eligibility and entitlement.

Yes, if you’re eligible. Here’s how to apply:

  • Sedgwick sends you an FMLA eligibility packet and medical certification form and asks for documentation to validate your request. Please follow all instructions.
  • Read the Sedgwick approval notification carefully. FMLA can run concurrently with other LOA requiring a different approval decision.
  • Email: LowesClaimInfo@Sedgwick.com. Documents should be submitted as attachments, not inserted into the email.

Mail: PO Box 14671, Lexington, KY 40512

Note: Supply the required documentation within 20 calendar days from the eligibility letter date or first day of absence—whichever is later. Otherwise, your request may not be approved, or job protected.

With approval, you’ll be notified in a determination letter.

  • Your absences from work are protected under FMLA and/or state leave law(s).
  • You’ll get information about your applicable rights.
  • We’ll inform your people leader about your leave status.

FMLA or state leaves are unpaid, unless required by state law.

  • If applicable, you’ll be paid all accrued, unused sick pay beginning the first day of continuous leave, when not approved for another paid leave benefit (Short Term Disability (STD), Parental, etc.).
  • Don’t want to use all your unused sick pay on LOA? Contact the Associate Care Center (ACC) within seven (7) days of your first date of absence.
  • Hourly associates can choose any accrued sick, vacation, or holiday time to cover intermittent FMLA leave; salaried associates must submit accrued sick, vacation, or holiday time to cover it.

Note: Accrued holiday and vacation pay are not automatically applied on a continuous FMLA leave. If you prefer to use them, contact the ACC.

  • Under the attendance policy, absences may not be job protected or excused.
  • Contact Sedgwick at 1-855-286-8980 for potential options for leave as a workplace accommodation (for your own medical condition) through the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or a personal LOA (for a family member’s condition).

Note: If you don’t return to work or contact Sedgwick, it may constitute a voluntary employment resignation.

  • You should return to work if you’re ready.
  • If you need more leave, Lowe’s may allow it under the Workplace Accommodation Policy:
    • for your own medical condition
    • to care for an eligible family member
  • Contact Sedgwick at 1-855-286-8980 to discuss options.

Note: Failure to return to work or contact a people leader may result in unapproved time off and termination.

  • Return to work within 365 days of any leave or consecutive, continuous leave combinations.
  • If you don’t return, your employment may be terminated (except where prohibited by law).

Note: Lowe’s will consider a leave extension as a workplace accommodation for a qualifying disability. Contact Sedgwick at 1-855-286-8980 for details.

Yes, if you both satisfy eligibility requirements.

  • You and your spouse are collectively limited to a combined total of 12 weeks of family leave to cover the time off after the birth or placement of a child or to care for a seriously ill parent.
  • Each associate may take any unused portion of the twelve weeks for his or her own serious health condition, seriously ill child, or the care of the other spouse or domestic partner.

Personal Leave

It’s unpaid, unless you contact Sedgwick at 1-855-286-8980 and ask to use accrued, unused vacation or holiday pay. Unused sick pay may also be used for eligible absences.

No. Personal LOA requests go through a review process.

  • Sedgwick will review all non-medical LOA requests to determine eligibility.
  • If you’re eligible, the Personal Leave Request form is emailed to your people leader for approval.
  • If your leader doesn’t respond or approve, your request will be considered unapproved. Your Lowe’s employment may be terminated.

Military Leave and Reserve Training

Lowe’s supports associates serving as US Armed Services members or those otherwise protected by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA).

  • To request a military leave, visit www.MyLowesBenefits.com and click on Sedgwick: Leaves, Accom. & Workers Comp or call Sedgwick at 1-855-286-8980.
  • Military leave is unpaid unless you request earned vacation and/or holiday time, or you’re eligible for military duty differential pay. Contact Sedgwick for details.

Short-Term Disability (STD) Benefits

STD provides eligible, regular full-time associates with short-term income protection for absences due to a non-work-related disability, illness, and/or injury. Coverage is effective after you satisfy the service requirement (no enrollment needed).

  • Full-time Hourly Associates:
    • Covers 60% of your pre-disability weekly earnings to a maximum benefit of $4,615 per week, less other income benefits.
    • Note: You can supplement STD using accrued sick/vacation/holiday hours (up to 16 hours per week). Call Sedgwick at 1-855-286-8980 for details.
  • Full-time Salaried Associates:
    • Covers 100% of your pre-disability weekly earnings, less other income benefits.

More details can be found in the STD Plan Document:

  • www.MyLowesBenefits.com > Login > Health & Insurance > Plan Information > Summary Plan Descriptions > Insurance and Other Benefits > Short-Term Disability Plan.

To qualify, you must be enrolled in the Group Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD) Option.

  • Allstate administers this benefit and can be reached at 877-215-0939.
  • Note: Part-Time associates must contact Sedgwick to initiate a leave of absence (LOA) in addition to filing an STD claim through Allstate.

It’s a seven (7) day waiting period beginning the first day of disability – benefits begin after the elimination period.

Note: If you have available sick pay, you can use up to 40 hours of sick pay during the elimination period. If you have no available sick time, the elimination period is unpaid.

Long-Term Disability (LTD) Benefits

Lowe’s LTD plan is available for regular full-time salaried associates and regular full-time hourly associates working 30 or more hours per week. Hourly associates must enroll to participate in the LTD plan.

If you are receiving STD through Sedgwick, they will automatically initiate the LTD claim with Cigna/NY Life as your leave nears 180 days.

  • While your claim is pending, the Cigna/NY Life Claim Manager is your primary contact. Reach your Claim Manager at 1-800-238-2125
    • Option 2 for claims
    • Option 1 for claimant or 2 if you are calling on behalf of someone else (system will ask for their Social Security Number).
  • All LTD claims should be filed immediately after the 60th day of disability or as soon as reasonably possible after that date.

Enhanced Maternity Benefit

Yes. You must be a regular full-time hourly or salaried associate who:

  • has been employed by Lowe's for 12 consecutive months (as a part-time or full-time associate) preceding the date your Maternity Leave would begin; and 
  • recently gave birth to a child.

Benefits are payable for 10 weeks regardless of whether you’re otherwise disabled.

Note: Maternity Leave benefits must be taken over one continuous 10-week period, which begins with your child's birth. No elimination period applies.

Full-time associates may receive payment through the Lowe’s Short-Term Disability (STD) Plan.

  • For details, visitwww.MyLowesBenefits.com > Login > Health & Insurance > Plan Information > Summary Plan Descriptions > Insurance and Other Benefits > Short-Term Disability Plan.
  • Note: Non-eligible associates may discuss alternate leave options, including leave as an accommodation, with Sedgwick at 1-855-269-8980.

Coordination of Maternity Leave Benefits with STD Benefits 

You may apply for up to 16 weeks of STD benefits.

Any pre-birth leave is considered Short-Term Disability (STD) leave and subject to the seven (7) day elimination period before STD begins.

Maternity Leave benefits and STD benefits for the disability period can’t exceed the Maximum Benefit Period (26 weeks of combined Maternity Leave benefits and STD benefits).

Example:

Pre-Birth STD BenefitsMaternity Leave BenefitsPost-Birth STD BenefitsTotal Weeks of STD Benefits, Including any Elimination Period
None needed10 weeksNone needed10 weeks
Three (3) weeks (bedrest before birth)10 weeksNone needed13 weeks
None needed10 weeks16 weeks26 weeks
17 weeks (bedrest before birth)Nine (9) weeksNone available26 weeks

Note: If your absence qualifies as Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), leave under the STD plan will run concurrently with all leaves per applicable laws. 

  • In some cases, your physician must complete an Attending Provider's Statement and return it to Sedgwick within 20 days from the claim file date or the first date of your absence (whichever is later).
  • You must also provide a copy of your newborn child's hospital or birth certificate to start Maternity Leave benefits and confirm the delivery date with Sedgwick.

Parental Leave

You must be a regular full-time salaried or hourly associate on the birth or adoption date of a newborn child—and a Lowe’s employee for at least 12 months as of the birth or adoption date.

  • Yes, eligible associates receive Maternity Leave benefits for 10 weeks based on your child’s birth date.
  • Parental Leave benefits are payable for four (4) weeks to bond or care for a newborn or newly adopted child.
  • For associates eligible for both leaves, please work with Sedgwick to ensure claims are open for each type.
  • All Parental Leave should be taken before your child’s first birthday.

Submit documentation for your parental relationship to the child. Parental Leave isn’t paid until Sedgwick receives the required document. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Birth and/or Hospital Certificates
  • Adoption – adoption paperwork, including placement date
  • Any other documents establishing parental rights.

I have questions about my W-2 or other tax form

W-2 and 1095-C forms are mailed to your home address on file no later than January 31st unless you opted for electronic delivery.

Note: If you opted for electronic delivery, you’ll be notified when your tax forms are ready to be viewed/printed.

Choose one of the following options:

  • Call Equifax at 1-888-481-5721.
  • Visit www.mytaxform.com.
    • When prompted, enter Employer code 11116.
    • Next, enter your ID if you are a returning user or click Register Now as a new user. If you forgot your ID, click Forgot User ID.
    • When prompted, enter your password. If you forgot it, click Forgot Password.
    • After you’ve logged in, you can download, save, and/or print your W-2.

Update your delivery preference before January 5th of the year after your termination date at www.mytaxform.com.

  • To make changes after January 5th, contact Equifax at 1-888-481-5721. Available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST.

Call Equifax at 888-481-5721.

  • Available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST.

Call Equifax at 888-481-5721.

  • Available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST.

Complete the Inquiry Formto send a case to the Associate Care Center.

Note: Include your personal email address, phone number, and mailing address for verification.

Complete the Inquiry Formto send a case to the Associate Care Center.

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