Sick Leave in California
Complete guide to sick leave requirements, employee rights, and employer obligations in California.
California Sick Leave Requirements
State Requirement
1 hour per 30 hours worked, minimum 40 hours (5 days) per year
Paid Sick Leave Required
California requires employers to provide paid sick leave. Accrual rate: 1 hour per 30 hours worked (or front-load 40 hours). Maximum accrual: 80 hours (increased from 48 hours in 2024). SB 616 expanded California paid sick leave from 3 days to 5 days (40 hours) minimum.
Federal Requirements
No federal paid sick leave requirement for private employers. Federal employees receive sick leave. Some temporary federal requirements existed during COVID-19.
About Sick Leave
Sick leave is time off from work for personal illness, injury, medical appointments, or preventive care. There is no federal requirement for paid sick leave for private employers, but many states and cities have enacted paid sick leave laws. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of paid sick leave requirements.
Typical Duration
5-10 days per year, or accrual-based (1 hour per 30-40 hours worked)
Paid vs Unpaid
Varies by state law and employer policy. 20+ states require paid sick leave.
Employee Rights
- ✓Use accrued sick leave when needed
- ✓Protection from retaliation for using sick leave
- ✓Carryover rights (varies by jurisdiction)
- ✓Use for covered family members in most states
- ✓Confidentiality of medical information
Employer Obligations
- •Provide sick leave per state/local law requirements
- •Track accrual and usage accurately
- •Allow use for permitted purposes (illness, preventive care, family care)
- •Post required notices
- •Maintain records for required periods
- •Not retaliate against employees using sick leave
California Key Compliance Points
- !Provide 40 hours (5 days) minimum paid sick leave
- !Comply with CFRA for employers with 5+ employees
- !Register for State Disability Insurance (SDI) and PFL
- !Provide bereavement leave for employers with 5+ employees
- !Post required workplace notices
- !Comply with local ordinances (SF, LA, Oakland, San Diego)
Common Questions
Is sick leave required by law?
There is no federal sick leave requirement, but 20+ states and many cities require paid sick leave. Check your state and local laws for requirements.
Can I use sick leave for a doctor's appointment?
Yes, most state sick leave laws specifically allow use for preventive care and medical appointments, not just illness.
Can I use sick leave for a sick family member?
Most state sick leave laws allow use to care for sick family members. The definition of covered family members varies by state.
Do I lose unused sick leave?
This depends on state law and employer policy. Some states require carryover of unused sick time, others allow use-it-or-lose-it policies.
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