Section 590.327  Deferment of Service Obligation

A request to defer the recipient's service obligation shall be submitted in writing to the Department.  The request shall detail the reasons for the deferment and shall be accompanied and supported by documentation described in this Section.

a)         Deferment of the service obligation shall include:

1)         Providing documentation of a physical or mental health disability that results in the recipient's temporary inability to fulfill the service obligation.  Documentation shall include an explanation from a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant licensed to practice in Illinois attesting to the recipient's temporary inability to fulfill the obligation.  This deferment may be granted for up to 12 months.

2)         Requesting up to 12 weeks leave for maternity, paternity or adoption leave.  If the recipient's leave will exceed 12 weeks, a deferment may be granted based on documented medical need.

b)         A recipient who is a military reservist and is called to active duty by the armed forces of the United States will be granted a deferment beginning on the activation date in the active duty order.  The recipient shall submit a copy of the order to active duty with the written request for deferment.  The duration of the deferment shall equal the recipient's period of active military duty.

c)         Recipients who receive a deferment shall have their service obligation tolled.  The tolling of this requirement shall equal the recipient's period of deferment.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 6528, effective April 27, 2023)