Fill in your dates and a few details to get a clear, polite leave application for your manager. Pick the type of leave, then copy it, email it or download it as a PDF.
Your letter
[Date of the letter]
[Manager's name]
[Company name]
Subject: Application for sick leave from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave]
Dear [Manager's name],
I am writing to request sick leave for [Number of days], from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave], as I am unwell and need time to rest and recover. [More detail]
I have briefed [Colleague covering for you], who will look after anything urgent while I am away. I will catch up on my pending work as soon as I am back, and I can share a medical certificate if one is needed. If something needs my input, I can be reached at [Contact during leave].
Thank you for your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
Words in [brackets] are what you replace. The generator above fills them in for you.
Sick leave
[Date of the letter]
[Manager's name]
[Company name]
Subject: Application for sick leave from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave]
Dear [Manager's name],
I am writing to request sick leave for [Number of days], from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave], as I am unwell and need time to rest and recover. [More detail]
I have briefed [Colleague covering for you], who will look after anything urgent while I am away. I will catch up on my pending work as soon as I am back, and I can share a medical certificate if one is needed. If something needs my input, I can be reached at [Contact during leave].
Thank you for your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
Casual or personal leave
[Date of the letter]
[Manager's name]
[Company name]
Subject: Application for casual leave from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave]
Dear [Manager's name],
I would like to request casual leave for [Number of days], from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave], to attend to some personal matters. [More detail]
Before my leave starts, I will finish my urgent tasks and update the team on anything pending, and [Colleague covering for you] has agreed to cover for me while I am away. If anything needs my attention, I can be reached at [Contact during leave].
I would be grateful if you could approve my leave. Thank you for considering my request.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
Family emergency
[Date of the letter]
[Manager's name]
[Company name]
Subject: Urgent leave request: family emergency, [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave]
Dear [Manager's name],
Due to a family emergency, I need to take leave for [Number of days], from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave]. [More detail] I am sorry for the short notice.
I have asked [Colleague covering for you] to look after anything urgent, and I have shared the details of my pending work with them. If I need more time, I will let you know as early as I can. For anything urgent, I can be reached at [Contact during leave].
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
Leave extension
[Date of the letter]
[Manager's name]
[Company name]
Subject: Request to extend my leave until [Last day of leave]
Dear [Manager's name],
I am currently on leave, and I would like to request an extension of [Number of days], from [First day of leave] to [Last day of leave]. [More detail]
I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. I have checked with [Colleague covering for you], who can continue to cover my urgent work. I will be back at work on the next working day after [Last day of leave] and will catch up on everything pending straight away. Until then, I can be reached at [Contact during leave].
Thank you for your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
Tips
For planned leave, apply as early as you can, and check your leave balance and the leave policy first.
For sick leave or an emergency, call or message your manager as early as possible on the first day, then send the application.
You don't have to share medical details. Saying you are unwell is enough, unless your company's policy asks for a certificate.
Asking for an extension? Send it before your current leave ends, and enter only the extra days in the date boxes.
Name a colleague who can cover urgent work. It makes the leave easier to approve.
If your company uses an HR portal or leave system, apply there too. The letter doesn't replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a leave application?
Address it to your manager, say which type of leave you need, give the dates and the number of days, add a short reason, and say who will cover urgent work. Sign it with your name and job title.
Do I have to give a reason for leave?
A short reason is usual. For personal leave, "to attend to some personal matters" is enough, and for sick leave you don't need to describe your illness.
Can I send a leave application by email?
Yes. Most employers accept leave requests by email. In an emergency, a call or message first and the email afterwards is fine.
What is the difference between casual leave and sick leave?
Casual leave is for short personal needs and is usually planned. Sick leave is for illness. The names, the number of days and the rules vary by employer, so check your leave policy.