Your safety matters

Use safe leave to care for yourself or those you love.

 
 

What is safe leave?

Safe leave is paid time off for survivors of:

  • Sexual assault 
  • Domestic violence 
  • Harassment 
  • Stalking

What do I have to tell my employer?

Let your employer know that you need to be gone from work due to Paid Leave Oregon reasons. You do not need to go into detail, but you do need to follow the instructions for how to give notice (below).

How to take safe leave

Step 1: Gather your documents

You will need to have a few documents ready before you apply. You’ll need at least 1 of the following: 
  • A copy of a police report
  • A formal complaint to a school’s Title IX coordinator
  • A copy of a protective order 
  • Other evidence from a court, administrative agency, school’s Title IX coordinator, or attorney
  • Other documents from an attorney, law enforcement officer, health care provider, licensed mental health professional or counselor, member of the clergy, or victim services provider
If you have difficulty getting these documents or have concerns about safety, you can give a written statement confirming you qualify for safe leave.

Step 2: Give notice to your employer

  • 30-day notice: If you know you will need to use Paid Leave for you or your child, you need to let your employer know at least 30 calendar days before taking leave.

  • 24-hour emergency notice: In an emergency, you must tell your employer (this does not have to be in writing) that you need to use Paid Leave within 24 hours. Then, give written notice to your employer within 3 days after starting leave.

Step 3: Apply for benefits

When you are ready to apply for benefits, you will use Frances Online. Employees can begin creating an account on Frances Online in August 2023. Make sure to:
  • Apply no earlier than 30 days before you need to take leave, or
  • Apply no later than 30 days after you take your leave

Step 4: Update your application

  • After your application has been approved, update it anytime the leave time frame changes. Learn more about how to update your application.
  • If your employer has an equivalent plan instead of participating in the state’s Paid Leave Oregon plan, you must apply separately under the equivalent plan. Ask your employer for instructions on how to submit an application. Learn more about how to update your application.
Have questions? Visit our commonly asked questions about Frances Online.

Create an account: Frances Online

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment, or stalking and need support from a community-based service provider, visit the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s website to find a resource in your community. 

How much time can I take off work for safe leave?

  • You can take up to 12 weeks paid leave in a 52-week period (starting from the day your leave begins). You can take a week or a single day off at a time.

How much will I get paid?

Paid Leave Oregon pays you every week while you are on Paid Leave. The amount depends on how much you earned the year before. Some employees will get 100% of their wages.​ Pay is retroactive from when your leave began. 

Here’s an example:​ OED’s current sample benefit amounts table 
 

What happens when I go back to work?

  • Your job is protected by law while you’re on paid leave if you have worked at least 90 consecutive days for your employer
  • Your employer cannot fire you or threaten you for taking time off if you are eligible for paid leave 
  • You have the right to the same job you had when you left if you have worked for your employer for at least 90 consecutive days under the law. This means you do not lose your job title or role while you’re on paid leave, if the position still exists, even if the position was filled by a temporary replacement employee while you were on leave.

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