How to Request Protected Leave

This page is for leaves beginning January 1, 2026 or after. Employees will be able to file claims with Unum starting January 1.

  1. Process Overview
  2. Filing for Paid Leave Oregon with Unum
  3. Required Notice
Back to top

Process Overview

Action Step

1. Notify your supervisor of your need for time off as soon as possible. 

  • You should do this at least 30 days in advance if possible.

Communicate your anticipated start date, duration, and whether your leave will be continuous or intermittent.

2a. File for Paid Leave Oregon (see "Filing with Unum," below). Your eligibility for Paid Leave Oregon will be reviewed and determined by Unum. 

OR

2b. If you are not eligible for Paid Leave Oregon, complete a Protected Leave Request form. The UO leaves team will contact you with next steps.

3. For Paid Leave Oregon, submit required documentation, such as medical certification if applicable: 

4. Keep an eye out for requests for additional information from Unum and/or the UO Leaves Team. Please supply this information in a timely manner so your claim can be processed efficiently.

5. Wait for approval and confirmation of your leave, from Unum.

6. While on leave, keep the HR leaves team and Unum informed of any changes to your circumstances or leave dates.

7. If your leave was continuous and for your own condition, at leave five days before returning to work, submit a completed Employee Status Report to hrleaves@uoregon.edu or by fax to 541-346-2548.

  • Do not return to work until the UO leaves team has confirmed that all required documentation has been received and processed.
Back to top

Filing for Paid Leave Oregon with Unum

You can easily file and manage your protected leave claim with Unum. Upload documents, report absences, update medical provider information, and much more all in one convenient place. 

Download instructions in PDF

Process overview in PDF

Filing a Claim (Video)

On the web:

  1. Go to services.unum.com.
  2. If filing for the first time, click “Create an account.” We 
    recommend using a personal email address that is easily 
    accessible when away from work.
    • You will be asked to enter your birthdate and SSN.
    • A one-time security code will be sent to the email you provide.
  3. If you already have an account, enter your email.
  4. Once you're logged in, begin with "Start a Claim or Leave" to provide initial details of what happened.
  5. Add claimant information as requested, including:
    • Your employment information.
    • Medical care resulting from the event, like surgery.
    • Medical providers visited—physicians, hospitals, other medical professionals.
  6. Review your information and
    • Confirm responses.
    • Provide medical authorization.
    • Review fraud statement.
  7. Select "Accept" and "Submit."
  8. View confirmation screen, see any next tasks and track progress.

 

 

On the app:

  1. Download the MyUnum for Members app from the app store.
  2. If you already have an account, you can log in.
  3. If you do not have an account, select “register.”
    • Read the Terms of Use and select “I understand 
      and accept.”
    • If this is your first time registering in the app, you’ll 
      see a series of Welcome screens. Review the featured 
      app highlights or tap “skip” if you prefer
  4. On the main dashboard, click on the “Start new claim or 
    leave” button.
  5. Provide information about what happened so Unum can 
    identify which coverage applies to your situation.
  6. Add information about the following:
    • The claimant (you or a family member)
    • Your employment
    • Medical events resulting from the event, like surgery
    • Medical providers visited — physicians, hospitals, 
      other medical professionals
  7. Review your information and:
    • Confirm responses
    • Provide medical authorization
    • Review fraud statement
  8. Select “Accept” and “Submit.”
  9. View confirmation screen, see any next tasks and track progress.

Unable to file online? Call Unum at 866-779-1054, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday. 

Questions? Contact the UO Leaves Team at hrleaves@uoregon.edu. 

Back to top

Required Notice

Units are required to post the Paid Leave Oregon notice in the workplace:

Paid Leave Oregon notice in English

Paid Leave Oregon notice in Spanish

 

Back to top