Paid Time Off: Accrual vs. Allotment

As Georgetown University transitions to a new annual PTO model effective July 1, 2025, we’re committed to honoring the time you’ve already earned while helping you plan ahead with confidence. This page explains how your new annual Allotted PTO and your existing Accrued PTO will work together during the transition.

Return to Paid Time Off Updates

What Do “Accrued” and “Allotted” PTO Mean?

  • Allotted PTO (Starting 7/1/25): Paid time off (PTO) days or hours that are granted at the start of the fiscal year (July 1), based on years of service and employment classification. Unlike accrued PTO, which is earned over time, allotted PTO is front-loaded and available for use at the beginning of the year.
  • Accrued PTO (Before 7/1/25): PTO earned under the previous policy, based on per-pay-period accruals.

Retaining and Using Your Accrued PTO

  • You will retain any unused Accrued PTO hours until they are used or until June 30, 2027 – whichever comes first.
  • If you have more than your maximum allotment for your years of service in Accrued PTO on July 1, you will not receive an Allotted PTO deposit that year.
  • If you have less than the maximum allotment for your years of service in Accrued PTO on July 1, you will receive Allotted PTO to make up the difference.
  • Staff and AAPs must use all Accrued PTO before they can access their Allotted PTO.

Accessing Your Allotted PTO

  • Allotted PTO is provided once per year on July 1 (or your hire date, if applicable) based on your years of service and position.
  • On July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026, you will only receive Allotted PTO if your Accrued PTO bank is less than the maximum allotment based on your years of service as of July 1.
  • If your Accrued PTO is less than the maximum FY allotment but greater than zero, you will receive an Allotted PTO amount that brings your total PTO up to the annual maximum for your tenure and employment category.
  • Allotted PTO cannot be used until all Accrued PTO has been used.

Payout Eligibility for Accrued PTO

If you separate from the University before June 30, 2027, with unused Accrued PTO:

  • You may be eligible for a lump sum payout of up to $15,000, provided your base salary is under $200,000.
  • Employees earning $200,000 or more are not eligible for payout of unused PTO.
  • Allotted PTO is not eligible for payout at termination, unless otherwise required by state law.

Use-It-or-Lose-It: Allotted PTO

  • Allotted PTO must be used by June 30 each year.
  • Unused Allotted PTO does not carry over and will not be paid out if unused or upon termination.
  • The University will continue to abide by specific state law regulations regarding PTO accrual, usage, and payout where applicable.