I want to take time away

Military Leave

Chipotle supports employees who serve in the United States military. If you’re called to active duty or participate in required military service, you may be eligible for Military Leave.

This page provides an overview of Military Leave. Military leave and reemployment rights are administered in accordance with federal and applicable state laws.

If you need time off to care for a family member in the military, visit the “Caring for a Loved One” page for more information on available leave options.

About Military Leave

Military Leave provides employees with time away from workto fulfill military service obligations.

Military Leave

  • Applies to employees who enlist, are drafted, or are called to active duty
  • Includes service in the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserves
  • Protects reemployment rights in accordance with applicable laws
  • Allows use of available paid time off, if elected

Eligibility is not based on length of service. Leave and reinstatement are administered in accordance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and applicable state laws.

For questions about your leave or benefits:

Employee Service Center

Pay and Benefits During Leave

Military Leave is generally unpaid unless you elect to use available paid time off, where applicable.

Your benefits may continue while you are on leave. You may be eligible to continue coverage for up to 12 months, provided you make arrangements to pay your portion of the premiums.

If you do not make required premium payments on time, your coverage may be canceled. You may also choose to cancel coverage during your leave.

If you return to work, any unpaid premium amounts will be repaid through payroll deductions over time until the balance is fully repaid.

What to Do...

Before Leave

  1. Notify your manager as soon as you receive notice of military service.
  2. Submit your leave request in Workday. Go to “Time Off” and select “Request Absence.”
  3. Provide a copy of your military orders or supporting documentation.

Provide Your Military Orders

Military Orders are needed for absences greater than 30 days. Orders must be submitted no later than upon your return to work.

During Leave

  1. Notify your manager and the Employee Service Center as soon as possible when you are ready to return to work.
  2. Provide any required documentation related to your return from service, if requested.

Don’t Forget Your Documentation

Provide updated orders or documentation if your service changes.

Returning to Work

We're looking forward to seeing you back!

  1. Notify your manager and the Employee Service Center as soon as possible when you are ready to return to work.
  2. Provide any required documentation related to your return from service, if requested.

Reemployment Rights Apply

You may be entitled to return to your role under USERRA protections. Timing and reinstatement depend on your length of service.

What Happens if I Don’t Return?

If you decide not to return to work during your approved leave, you should notify your manager or HRBP at least two weeks before your scheduled return date. If you do not return or attempt to return to work following the end of your leave, you will be considered to have voluntarily resigned as of your leave end date.

For questions about your leave or benefits:

Employee Service Center

Important Benefits to Consider

Military service can impact your routine and financial situation. Chipotle offers benefits that may help support you during this time:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Get free, confidential 24/7 support for you and your family, including up to 6 counseling sessions per issue. Call 888-881-5462 for help with stress, family concerns, and more.
  • Calm Health App: Access a no-cost mental well-being app with personalized support for stress, sleep, and more (different from the standard Calm app). Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play to download (company code: Chipotle).
  • LiveHealth Online Virtual Care: Access board-certified doctors and licensed therapists virtually for non-urgent care, mental health support, and everyday health concerns—available at no cost if enrolled in an Anthem medical plan.

Learn more on the Chipotle Benefits Website.

For questions about your leave or benefits:

Employee Service Center

Am I Eligible For Leave Benefits Through My State?

Some states provide leave benefits you may be eligible to receive. If your leave involves a medical leave or FMLA request, our leave administration partner The Hartford may help identify whether state benefits apply and guide you on next steps.

If eligible, you may need to file a claim directly with your state. Chipotle leave benefits and state benefits may run at the same time and are coordinated so total payments do not exceed 100% of your pre-leave earnings.

Questions about Leave Benefits?

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for a list of common questions and answers.

For all other questions, call the Benefits Service Center at 877-625-1919 or email benefits@chipotle.com.