Taking time off without pay happens to almost everyone at some point. You might need to handle family matters, recover from health issues, or simply recharge your mental batteries. But asking for this time away can feel tricky—you want to stay on good terms with your boss while also getting the break you need.
What makes a leave request letter work? The right mix of honesty, clarity, and respect goes a long way. A well-written letter shows you care about your job while explaining why this time off matters to you. Read on to find 15 different ways to ask for unpaid leave that actually get results.
Sample Letters of Request for Unpaid Leave
Here are 15 sample letters you can adapt for your own unpaid leave requests.
1. Family Emergency Leave Request
January 15, 2025
Michael Thompson
Marketing Specialist
ABC Marketing Solutions
123 Business Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Subject: Request for Unpaid Family Emergency Leave
Dear Mr. Davis,
This letter serves as my formal request for unpaid leave due to an unexpected family emergency. My father has been hospitalized following a serious accident, and as the closest family member, I need to travel to Chicago to assist with his care and recovery arrangements.
I am requesting two weeks of unpaid leave starting January 20, 2025, through February 3, 2025. During this period, I plan to complete all pending tasks before my departure and will arrange for Sarah Wilson to handle any urgent matters that may arise in my absence. I will also be available via email for critical questions, though my response time may be delayed due to hospital visitation hours.
I understand this comes at a busy time for our department, and I appreciate your consideration. Please let me know if you need any additional information or documentation from the hospital to support this request.
Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Michael Thompson
Marketing Specialist
thompson.michael@abcmarketing.com
555-123-4567
2. Personal Development Leave Request
March 10, 2025
Jennifer Garcia
Customer Service Representative
Global Solutions Inc.
456 Corporate Plaza
Austin, TX 78701
Subject: Request for Unpaid Leave for Professional Development Course
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
I am writing to request unpaid leave to attend a specialized customer experience management certification program that will enhance my skills and contribution to our team.
The program runs from April 5-25, 2025, requiring me to be away from work for three weeks. This intensive course offers training in advanced conflict resolution, customer retention strategies, and digital service innovations—skills directly applicable to our department’s goals this quarter.
My current cases will be fully documented and transitioned to Carlos and Aisha, who have both agreed to split my workload. Additionally, I will complete our quarterly reports before my departure and can join the team meeting on April 2nd via video call to answer any questions about my projects.
This training aligns with my growth plan we discussed during my performance review, and I believe it will allow me to contribute significantly to our team’s customer satisfaction metrics upon my return.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Jennifer Garcia
Customer Service Representative
j.garcia@globalsolutions.com
555-987-6543
3. Medical Procedure Leave Request
February 5, 2025
David Williams
Accounting Assistant
Financial Partners LLC
789 Money Lane
Chicago, IL 60601
Subject: Request for Unpaid Medical Leave
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I am writing to request unpaid medical leave to undergo a scheduled medical procedure that requires both the procedure itself and recovery time. My doctor has advised that I will need three weeks away from work.
The leave would begin on February 20, 2025, with an expected return date of March 13, 2025. Prior to my absence, I will complete the monthly reconciliations and prepare detailed notes on all ongoing projects. Rebecca from our team has kindly agreed to handle any urgent matters while I am away.
My doctor has provided a letter confirming the necessity of this procedure and the recommended recovery period, which I have attached to this request. While I hope to recover quickly, my doctor has advised minimal screen time during the first two weeks post-procedure.
I appreciate your support during this time and am happy to discuss any questions you might have about my work responsibilities during my absence.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
David Williams
Accounting Assistant
d.williams@financialpartners.com
555-222-3333
4. Extended Travel Leave Request
April 12, 2025
Sophia Chen
Graphic Designer
Creative Minds Design
321 Artistic Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94105
Subject: Request for Unpaid Leave for Extended Travel
Dear Ms. Kim,
I would like to request a four-week unpaid leave to undertake a long-planned trip to visit my elderly grandparents overseas. As they have reached advanced ages and face health challenges, this may be my final opportunity to spend quality time with them.
My requested leave period would be from May 15 to June 12, 2025. I have timed this request to follow the completion of the Henderson campaign, which should wrap up by May 10 according to our current timeline.
To minimize disruption, I have already prepared design templates for the upcoming projects scheduled during my absence. Additionally, I have spoken with Jake and Priya, who have agreed to handle any urgent design requests. I will also provide a comprehensive handover document with all my current projects, client preferences, and file locations by May 8.
I appreciate your consideration and understand if additional discussion is needed regarding workload management during my absence.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Sophia Chen
Graphic Designer
s.chen@creativeminds.com
555-444-5555
5. Parental Responsibility Leave Request
June 8, 2025
Robert Johnson
Sales Associate
Quality Products Inc.
555 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Subject: Request for Unpaid Parental Leave
Dear Mrs. Thompson,
I am writing to request unpaid leave to care for my newborn daughter, as my wife must return to her teaching position and we face challenges with childcare arrangements.
I am requesting four weeks of unpaid leave from July 1 to July 29, 2025. During this time, I will be the primary caregiver for our daughter until our permanent childcare solution begins in August.
Before my leave starts, I will ensure all my active client accounts are properly handed over to Miguel, who has already agreed to manage them in my absence. I will provide a detailed status report on each account, including upcoming renewal dates and any special circumstances. Additionally, I will be reachable by phone for any urgent client matters that Miguel might need assistance with.
I truly appreciate your support during this important time for my family. The company’s flexibility means a great deal to us during this transition period.
Thank you for considering my request.
Warm regards,
Robert Johnson
Sales Associate
r.johnson@qualityproducts.com
555-777-8888
6. Educational Leave Request
August 3, 2025
Emily Martinez
Research Assistant
Science Innovations Lab
987 Discovery Way
Boston, MA 02110
Subject: Request for Unpaid Educational Leave
Dear Dr. Anderson,
This letter is to formally request unpaid educational leave to complete my final semester of graduate studies in Biochemical Engineering.
The leave period would extend from September 5 to December 18, 2025. This represents the minimum time needed to complete my required coursework and thesis defense, which unfortunately cannot be scheduled during non-working hours.
My current research projects (Project Enzyme and Project Catalyst) will reach their documentation phase by late August. I have prepared detailed protocols and will conduct comprehensive training sessions with Raj and Lisa, who will continue data collection during my absence. Weekly progress reports will be set up so I can stay informed of developments, and I will make myself available for monthly virtual meetings to provide guidance on any challenges that arise.
This degree directly relates to our lab’s focus on enzymatic reactions and will allow me to contribute more sophisticated analysis techniques upon my return. I highly value my position here and look forward to applying my enhanced knowledge to our ongoing research.
Thank you for considering my request.
Respectfully,
Emily Martinez
Research Assistant
e.martinez@sciencelab.edu
555-111-2222
7. Mental Health Leave Request
October 10, 2025
James Wilson
Software Developer
Tech Solutions Group
654 Innovation Park
Seattle, WA 98101
Subject: Request for Unpaid Mental Health Leave
Dear Mr. Patel,
I am writing to request two weeks of unpaid leave to address some personal health matters that have been affecting my wellbeing and work performance.
The requested leave period would be from October 20 to November 3, 2025. My healthcare provider has recommended this time away to focus on treatment and recovery strategies. I have attached a letter from my doctor supporting this request while maintaining my medical privacy.
Regarding my current projects, I have completed all critical features for the Rogers application ahead of schedule. The remaining tasks have been documented in our project management system with detailed notes. Alex and Samantha from our team are familiar with the codebase and have agreed to handle any urgent fixes during my absence.
I believe this short break will allow me to return as a more focused and productive team member. Your support in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your consideration and understanding.
Sincerely,
James Wilson
Software Developer
j.wilson@techsolutions.com
555-333-4444
8. Caregiver Leave Request
July 15, 2025
Patricia Brown
Administrative Assistant
Legal Associates LLP
852 Justice Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Subject: Request for Unpaid Caregiver Leave
Dear Ms. Reynolds,
I am requesting unpaid leave to care for my mother who has recently been diagnosed with a serious illness requiring full-time assistance during her initial treatment period.
I am asking for an unpaid leave of six weeks, from August 1 to September 12, 2025. During this period, my mother will undergo intensive treatment and will need assistance with daily activities and transportation to medical appointments.
To prepare for my absence, I have already updated the office procedures manual with detailed instructions for my temporary replacement. All recurring tasks have been documented with step-by-step guides, and I have organized all pending files with status notes. Maria from HR has identified a qualified temp worker who could fill in during my absence.
I greatly appreciate your understanding during this challenging time. While away, I can be reached by phone or email after 7 PM most days if any questions arise about office procedures or file locations.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Patricia Brown
Administrative Assistant
p.brown@legalassociates.com
555-666-7777
9. Community Service Leave Request
March 25, 2025
Thomas Lee
Project Manager
Community Development Corp.
741 Social Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
Subject: Request for Unpaid Leave for Volunteer Work
Dear Mrs. Garcia,
I am writing to request unpaid leave to participate in a habitat building project in an underserved community, which aligns with our organization’s community service values.
The project runs from April 15 to May 6, 2025, requiring three weeks of time. During this period, I will be helping to construct affordable housing units for low-income families in rural areas affected by recent economic downturns.
Regarding my work responsibilities, the Thompson project will be completed by April 10, and I have prepared a detailed transition plan for my other projects. Deputy Project Manager Kevin Williams has agreed to oversee my ongoing projects, and we will conduct thorough handover meetings before my departure. Additionally, I will be available for one hour each evening via phone if any urgent matters arise.
This volunteer experience connects directly with our company’s community development mission and will enhance my project management skills in resource-constrained environments—knowledge I look forward to bringing back to our team.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
Thomas Lee
Project Manager
t.lee@communitydevelopment.org
555-888-9999
10. Bereavement Extension Leave Request
September 5, 2025
Lisa Rodriguez
Human Resources Specialist
Global Manufacturing Inc.
369 Industrial Parkway
Detroit, MI 48201
Subject: Request for Extended Unpaid Bereavement Leave
Dear Director Matthews,
Following the recent passing of my brother, I am writing to request an extension of my bereavement leave in the form of unpaid time off.
While I greatly appreciate the company’s standard bereavement policy that provided five days of paid leave, I find that I need additional time to handle estate matters and support my elderly parents through this difficult period. I am requesting an additional ten working days of unpaid leave, from September 15 to September 26, 2025.
Before taking this extended leave, I will complete all pending HR case reviews and prepare the monthly compliance report ahead of schedule. My colleague Janet has agreed to handle any urgent employee relations matters, and I have briefed her on all active cases. Additionally, the new hire orientation scheduled for September 18 has already been prepared, and Janet can facilitate it using my materials.
I am deeply grateful for your support during this difficult time. Your understanding will allow me to fully attend to family matters so I can return focused and ready to resume my responsibilities.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Lisa Rodriguez
HR Specialist
l.rodriguez@globalmanufacturing.com
555-123-7890
11. Stress Recovery Leave Request
May 18, 2025
Daniel Kim
Financial Analyst
Investment Partners Group
456 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
Subject: Request for Unpaid Stress Recovery Leave
Dear Ms. Williams,
I am writing to request a period of unpaid leave to address symptoms of burnout and work-related stress that have begun to affect my health and performance.
After consulting with my healthcare provider, I am requesting three weeks of unpaid leave from June 1 to June 21, 2025. This time will allow me to focus on recovery strategies and establish sustainable work-life balance practices as recommended by my doctor.
The quarterly analysis reports will be completed before my departure, and I have already started preparing detailed handover notes for all my ongoing projects. Senior Analyst Mark Johnson has agreed to monitor my client portfolios and handle any time-sensitive analyses during my absence. For your reference, I have attached a letter from my healthcare provider recommending this leave.
I value my role at Investment Partners greatly and believe this short break will allow me to return with renewed focus and energy, ultimately benefiting both my performance and the team.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Respectfully,
Daniel Kim
Financial Analyst
d.kim@investmentpartners.com
555-234-5678
12. Wedding and Honeymoon Leave Request
February 22, 2025
Sarah Mitchell
Public Relations Coordinator
Bright Image Communications
789 Media Circle
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Subject: Request for Unpaid Wedding and Honeymoon Leave
Dear Mr. Gonzalez,
I am writing to request unpaid leave for my upcoming wedding and honeymoon plans.
I would like to take three weeks of unpaid leave from March 25 to April 15, 2025. This time will cover final wedding preparations, the ceremony itself, and our honeymoon trip. While I understand this is a significant time away, I have chosen this period specifically because it falls after the completion of our major spring campaign launches.
To ensure smooth operations during my absence, I have already prepared press releases for the anticipated product announcements in early April. Rachel from our team has agreed to manage media inquiries and monitor our social media accounts. Additionally, I will create a comprehensive schedule of all planned PR activities during my absence with detailed instructions for each task.
I greatly appreciate your consideration of this important personal milestone. With proper planning, I am confident that my absence will cause minimal disruption to our department’s work.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Sarah Mitchell
PR Coordinator
s.mitchell@brightimage.com
555-345-6789
13. Family Reunion Leave Request
July 8, 2025
William Taylor
Operations Manager
Logistics Solutions Corp.
963 Distribution Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30301
Subject: Request for Unpaid Leave for Family Reunion
Dear Ms. Chang,
I am writing to request unpaid leave to attend a significant family reunion that occurs just once every ten years.
I am requesting one week of unpaid leave from August 10 to August 17, 2025. This rare gathering brings together five generations of my extended family, many of whom are elderly, and it holds substantial cultural and personal importance for me and my children.
My request comes at a relatively quiet period for our operations calendar, falling between our summer shipping peak and the beginning of holiday season preparations. Before my departure, I will complete the quarterly efficiency report and conduct training sessions with assistant managers Carlos and Deepa, who will share my responsibilities during this period. I have also prepared contingency plans for any common issues that might arise.
Phone coverage will be limited at the rural location, but I will check emails daily between 8-9 AM and can join any emergency calls if needed with advance notice.
Thank you for considering this request for this meaningful family event.
Best regards,
William Taylor
Operations Manager
w.taylor@logisticssolutions.com
555-456-7890
14. Home Emergency Leave Request
November 12, 2025
Elizabeth Cooper
Customer Success Manager
SaaS Enterprises Inc.
852 Cloud Drive
Austin, TX 78702
Subject: Request for Unpaid Leave Due to Home Emergency
Dear Mr. Washington,
I am writing to request unpaid leave to address an unexpected home emergency situation that requires my immediate attention.
Last night, a major pipe burst in my home caused significant flooding and damage to multiple rooms. Based on contractor assessments, I am requesting five business days of unpaid leave from November 17 to November 21, 2025, to coordinate emergency repairs, meet with insurance adjusters, and secure the property against further damage.
I have already rescheduled all my client meetings for next week and prepared detailed status updates for each account. My colleague Ryan has agreed to monitor my client communications and handle any urgent matters. I will also be available by phone between 12-1 PM daily for any questions from the team.
This situation has created considerable disruption, but with these five days to manage the immediate crisis, I should be able to return to work while longer-term repairs continue outside of work hours.
I appreciate your understanding during this stressful situation.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Cooper
Customer Success Manager
e.cooper@saasenterprises.com
555-567-8901
15. Career Exploration Leave Request
May 5, 2025
Marcus Johnson
Data Analyst
Research Insights Group
741 Statistics Lane
Chicago, IL 60602
Subject: Request for Unpaid Professional Development Leave
Dear Dr. Singh,
I am writing to request a two-week unpaid leave to participate in a data science bootcamp that would enhance my analytical skills and benefit our department’s growing need for advanced data modeling capabilities.
The intensive program runs from June 10 to June 24, 2025, focusing on machine learning applications in market research—directly relevant to our upcoming product analysis needs. This training represents an opportunity to bring cutting-edge techniques back to our team.
All my regular weekly reports have been automated with clear documentation, and I will complete the quarterly market analysis before my departure. My colleague Tasha has agreed to handle any urgent data requests, and I have prepared a comprehensive guide to accessing and interpreting our current models.
Upon my return, I would be pleased to conduct a knowledge-sharing session with our analytics team to maximize the organizational benefit of this training.
Thank you for considering this professional development opportunity.
Respectfully,
Marcus Johnson
Data Analyst
m.johnson@researchinsights.com
555-678-9012
Wrap-up: Sample Letters for Leave Requests
The perfect unpaid leave letter balances your needs with your employer’s concerns. Keep these key points handy when writing your own request. Start early, giving your manager plenty of time to plan around your absence. Be clear about your dates and reasons without oversharing personal details. Most importantly, outline how your work will be handled while you’re away.
Your tone matters just as much as what you say. Stay professional but authentic—this builds trust with your supervisor and shows you take both your job and your need for leave seriously. With the right approach, you can secure the time you need while keeping your professional relationships strong.