Walmart Employee Holiday & Leave Policy 2026
This guide provides a complete breakdown of the 2026 attendance, PTO, PPTO, holiday, and leave rules for associates working at Walmart.
It explains how the 5 point system works, how long points stay on your record, how to avoid termination, and how to properly use Protected PTO to protect your job.
This is an independent informational resource. Policies can vary slightly by state, union status, and store location. Always confirm final details inside OneWalmart or with your People Lead.
2026 Walmart Attendance Policy Overview
Walmart uses a rolling 6 month point system to measure attendance reliability. Associates may have up to 4.5 points.
Reaching 5 points makes you eligible for termination.
- Points stay active for 183 days from the date earned.
- Regular PTO pays you but does not remove attendance points.
- PPTO both pays you and removes attendance points when used correctly.
- Key Event Dates carry double penalties.
- Extended leave must be filed through Sedgwick.
If you need help accessing attendance tools, see our full guide to the Walmart One login portal.
How the 5 Point Attendance System Works
| Situation | Points |
|---|---|
| Call Out (Full Shift) | 1 Point |
| Late Arrival (10+ minutes) | 0.5 Point |
| Leave Early | 0.5 Point |
| Key Event Date Absence | 2 Points |
| No Call No Show | 3 Points |
Example
If you are scheduled 1 PM to 9 PM and clock in at 1:24 PM, you receive 0.5 points.
If you submit 0.5 hours of PPTO within 7 days, that half point disappears automatically.
Rolling 6 Month Rule
Each point expires individually 183 days after it was earned.
Example: A point earned February 1 drops off August 3.
Walmart Termination Threshold in 2026
- 5 Points = Eligible for Termination
- Most managers coach at 3 or 4 points
- Points are tracked automatically through the GTA system
If you are close to the limit, monitor your record weekly inside OneWalmart.
PTO vs PPTO: The Critical Difference
Regular PTO
- Used for planned vacations
- Requires manager approval
- Pays you but does NOT remove attendance points
Protected PTO (PPTO)
- Used for illness or emergencies
- Auto approved by the system
- Removes attendance points if enough hours are used
Need help tracking pay from time off? See our guide to understanding your
Walmart paystub portal.
PPTO Accrual Rules 2026
- Earn 1 hour per 30 hours worked
- Annual cap: 48 hours in most states
- No cap in CA, NY, IL due to state law
Important Protection Rule
PPTO removes absence points but cannot remove No Call penalties.
Always report your absence in the Me@Walmart app or hotline.
Key Event Dates 2026 (Double Point Days)
Key Event Dates are high traffic retail days where missing work results in 2 points instead of 1.
Common Company Wide Dates
- Super Bowl Weekend
- Easter Weekend
- Independence Day
- Labor Day Weekend
- Black Friday Week
- Christmas Week
Critical Myth
You do NOT need double PPTO.
If your shift is 8 hours, using 8 hours of PPTO removes all points even on Key Event days.
Walmart Holiday Pay Policy 2026
Walmart does not offer separate holiday pay. If the store closes, you must use PTO to be paid.
Major Closures
- Christmas Day: Closed company wide
- Thanksgiving: Typically closed
- Christmas Eve: Early closure
Before using PTO for a holiday, you must work your full scheduled shift before and after the holiday.
See our detailed breakdown of the Walmart holiday schedule.
Walmart PTO Accrual Rates 2026
| Years of Service | Max PTO Per Year |
|---|---|
| 0 to 2 Years | 72 Hours |
| 3 Years | 88 Hours |
| 4 to 6 Years | 128 Hours |
| 7 to 10 Years | 160 Hours |
| 20+ Years | 224 Hours |
Carryover Rule
Maximum 80 combined PTO and PPTO hours carry into the next fiscal year.
PPTO rolls over first. Remaining excess is cashed out in February.
Walmart Leave of Absence (LOA)
For extended absences beyond 3 days, associates must file a Leave of Absence request through Walmart One portal.
Types of Leave
- Medical Leave
- Parental Leave
- Personal Leave
- Military Leave
- Jury Duty Leave
FMLA Protection
Eligible associates may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave per year.
- Must have worked 12 months
- Must have 1,250 hours in past year
- Job reinstatement protection applies
How to Apply for LOA
- Log into OneWalmart
- Search for mySedgwick
- Submit leave request
- Upload required documentation
- Wait for approval
For broader employee benefits, see our guide to
Walmart 401k and benefits.
2025 vs 2026 Policy Updates
- Bereavement leave increased to 5 days for immediate family
- Attendance raise impact window adjusted
- No structural change to 5 point limit
- PPTO cap unchanged except for state law differences
FAQs
How many points lead to termination?
5 points within a rolling 6 month period.
Can PPTO remove double points?
Yes, if you cover the full shift.
Does Walmart offer separate holiday pay?
No. PTO must be used for closed holidays.
Can managers forgive points?
Generally no. Points are system generated, but rare exceptions may occur for verified system errors.
For the most accurate updates, always verify inside OneWalmart or speak with your store’s People Lead.