There are numerous types of hardship letters. Usually, they are requests for financial assistance, either in the provision of a grant, for instance, for funeral expenses; or a delay of taking payments, for example, with a loan or mortgage. However, another possible reason why you may write a hardship letter is if you want to request an extended leave.
When Do You Need an Extended Leave Hardship Letter?
When you are employed, you will be allocated a number of days of leave per year, which you can use at your personal discretion. A lot of employers also have other forms of leave in place, such as maternity leave and even paternity leave, time off for funerals, parental leave if a child is sick, and so on. Sometimes, a situation may occur in which you need more leaves, for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you have a relative who has developed a sudden but serious illness and requires care. Or you may have been declared bankrupt and are struggling to meet the responsibilities associated with that. These are all cases in which you may want to request an extended leave.
How to Write a Hardship Letter for Extended Leave
All hardship letters, regardless of purpose, should never be longer than one page. They should be short but to the point, in other words. They should also be honest and provide a clear and concise explanation of what is going on. Your letter has to be formal, explaining that you have unexpected hardship that requires you to request that extended leave.
Your letter should explain when you first started to experience difficulties, which is something that your employer should already be aware of. It should highlight what has caused an unexpected situation, such as illness, death in the family, disability, and so on. It should also explain that you have already used all your paid leave in accordance to corporate policy. Your letter should also indicate what would be the consequences if you are unable to be on leave, and why that would be so. Make sure that you also indicate the length of your extended leave.
Make sure that your letter also expresses your gratitude for working in your company. Showcase that you have been an excellent employee and that you feel committed to the organization. The letter should make it clear that you do not want to leave the company as a whole, but rather that you would prefer to have an extended leave. Be accommodating, however. Perhaps you could work a few hours during the week, even if it is to train a temporary replacement. More than anything, tell your employer that you intend to come back as soon as you possibly can.
Last but not least, place the ball in the court of your employer. Ask them to contact you with possible solutions to the dilemma, while making it clear that you would like to find a mutually agreeable solution. In doing so, you are demonstrating to your company that you are a committed employee.
Hardship Letter Extended Leave Example
{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}
{Date}
Dear {Mr./Ms. BossName}:
I would like to make a formal request to take an extended leave from my position as {position} here at {Company Name} on account of severe hardship.
As you may already know, as of {date} I have been struggling to accommodate the unforeseen impact of {disability, sick family member, death in the family, bankruptcy, illness, etc.}. I have taken all the paid leave I am able to take according to corporate policy, but if I don’t continue to {description of action taken while on leave}, it will result in {consequence}.
I love working at this company, and I have always made every effort to be a model employee. I feel that the work I do here is good and important and I don’t want to leave it. Instead, I am asking for extended leave until {date/further notice} so that I can {recover, care for a relative, etc.}. I can come in {part-time, a few days a week, etc.} to train a temporary replacement, but it is my hope to return to work as soon as I am able.
Please let me know if there is a way to work this out between us. Thank you for your time and your consideration in this matter.
Thank you,
{Sender Name}