TIME AWAY & LIFE EVENTS

Time away from work is essential for rest, family needs, personal responsibilities, and major life moments. First Lantern provides a comprehensive set of leave and time-off programs to support Lanterns throughout the year.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

PTO benefits vary by organization but are designed to offer flexible time for rest, travel, and personal matters.

  • Lanterns accrue PTO throughout the year based on their schedule or hours reported.
  • Accrued time may roll over or be capped depending on your group’s rules.
  • PTO can typically be used for vacation, personal appointments, or mental health days.

Sick Time

Sick time is provided to ensure Lanterns can recover from illness or attend to necessary medical appointments. Sick time may also be used to care for an ill family member.

    Holidays

    Most organizations observe a set of designated holidays each year. Some Lanterns may also receive floating holidays or personal observance days.

    Family & Medical Leave

    Life doesn’t always follow a schedule. When Lanterns need extended time away to care for themselves or others, several leave types may apply.

    Parental Leave

    Supports Lanterns welcoming a new child through birth, adoption, or foster placement.

    Leave may include:

    • Fully paid weeks
    • Partially paid time
    • Job protection under federal or state law

    Family Care Leave

    Allows Lanterns to care for a spouse, partner, child, or other qualifying family member with a serious health condition.

    Medical Leave

    For Lanterns who need time away due to their own illness, surgery, or recovery:

    • May coordinate with short-term or long-term disability
    • Typically requires documentation from a healthcare provider
    • Job protection may apply depending on your organization and location

    Other Leaves

    Depending on your group, the following may be included:

    • Military leave
    • Jury duty
    • Bereavement leave
    • Civic or volunteer service leave

    Life Events & Coverage Changes

    Certain life changes allow Lanterns to update benefit elections outside standard processes.

    Examples include:

    • Marriage or divorce
    • Birth, adoption, or foster placement
    • Loss or gain of other coverage
    • Moving to a new address or region

    Lanterns must provide supporting documents based on their organization’s requirements.

    Hour-Bank or Contribution-Based Eligibility

    For Lanterns in multi-group settings:

    • Eligibility for benefits is often earned through hours worked and credited by participating groups.
    • If you do not meet hour requirements in a given period, you may have the option to self-pay to continue coverage.
    • Each fund or group sets its own rules—refer to your eligibility summary for specifics.