During furlough years, international missionaries are entitled to a minimum of 20 days of PTO (four calendar weeks), even if their tenure with Reliant would normally allow for only 15 days. These extra days are intended to support travel and adjustment needs during furlough. Common practice of most missionaries is to use 2-4 weeks of that PTO allowance during the 3-month furlough period. If missionaries would like to use their furlough PTO at another point in the year, they may coordinate with their local supervisors and shorten their home stays in correlation to that PTO. PTO days may be spent at the location of the missionary's choice. In the event an international employee does not take home-service leave, he or she should follow the policy in PTO.

International employees must consult with their supervisors to determine an appropriate time for furlough in order to minimize disruptions to the ministry. Consideration will be given to families with school-age children who desire to coordinate their home service with school breaks. All furlough requests must be approved by a supervisor at least one month prior to the home-service departure date; however, Reliant recommends that furloughs are scheduled at least six months in advance. 

It is incredibly important to understand how furlough, or any time in the United States, affects your insurance coverage. If you are enrolled in the Aetna plan, your coverage will continue uninterrupted. However, while you are not subject to a deductible overseas, you will have to meet a deductible for any medical expenses incurred within the United States. Additionally, Aetna has different rates of coverage for in-network and out-of-network expenses. Please confirm with Aetna and/or your medical provider that they are in-network before receiving treatment. If you decide to use an out-of-network provider, make sure to understand the costs upfront. You can review the details of the Aetna plan here.

See also: Travel Assistance insurance for ACE International Travel Assistance information

In preparing for furlough, international employees should conduct a thorough review of their MTD statuses three months prior to departure and write a strategic plan for doing ministry team development while in the States. Employees may consult with their supervisors and MTD coaches for specific advice and direction about support strategies and a plan for their home-service leaves. A written copy of the MTD furlough plan and goals must be given to the supervisor and emailed or faxed to the International Liaison at Reliant at least one month prior to departure. International employees are responsible to raise the total amount of funds determined by Reliant to cover the salary and expenses required for their position.

International missionaries should confirm their arrivals in the U.S. within the first week of their returns to the United States on furlough. This can be done by email or phone. As an employer, Reliant is required to know that an employee is working within the U.S. Missionaries should inform the International Liaison of their travel plans and MTD goals. International employees are always welcome to visit the Reliant office in Orlando, Florida while they are in the United States.

Employee expenses incurred during the work portion of home-service leave are considered ministry expenses and are eligible for reimbursement according to Reliant's reimbursement policies. Such expenses may typically include employee airfare to and from the United States, transportation costs incurred while performing MTD, housing and food expenses (see Per Diem - U.S.). Some expenses incurred during home service (such as those for family members not employed by Reliant) may be considered taxable according to Reliant's reimbursement policies. Expenses incurred during the vacation portion of home-service leave are considered personal expenses and are not eligible for reimbursement.

International missionaries are requested to schedule a professional debrief with the Missionary Resources Team during their furloughs. This is best done between the second and fourth week of furlough. It lasts approximately 90 minutes. The professional debrief allows the missionary to inform the Reliant team about successes, challenges and needs they experienced during their prior term. 

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