New Year, New Paid Sick & Safe Days
Happy New Year! California Workers Can Now Earn and Use 5 Paid Sick and Safe Days Every Year!
Starting January 1, 2024, millions of California workers gain the right to earn and use 5 paid sick and safe days per year. This is because of Senate Bill 616, authored by Senator Lena Gonzalez, which was signed into law last year and is in effect starting January 1, 2024. Continue reading or watch this short video to learn more!
Here’s what you need to know about California Paid Sick and Safe Days:
When can I use my paid sick and safe days?
You can use your paid sick and safe days when you need time away from work when:
You are sick.
You need to take care of a family member who is sick or has a health condition.
You need to take care of your own or a family member’s preventative care (like annual check ups or doctor’s appointments), diagnosis, or treatment of an existing health condition.
You need to seek services related to domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.
Which family members can I use paid sick and safe days to care for?
You can use your paid sick days to care for a:
Parent
Child
Spouse
Registered domestic partner
Grandparent
Grandchild
Sibling
“Designated person”
A “designated person” is a person who is part of your chosen or extended family, such as your best friend, your unmarried partner, your uncle, niece or a cousin.
How many paid sick and safe days is my employer required to give me each year?
California employers must allow California workers to earn and use up to 5 days (40 hours) of paid sick and safe days per year.
You accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked and will see the number of paid sick and safe hours you have accrued on your paystub.
To be eligible to use paid sick and safe days, you must have been employed in California for at least 30 days and must have worked for your employer for at least 90 days.
If you work in San Diego, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, or Emeryville your employer may be required to allow you to earn and use more than 5 paid sick and safe days. For more information, please contact info@workfamilyca.org.
Do I have to tell my employer before using paid sick and safe days?
You should notify your employer as soon as you can when you know that you need to use your paid sick days. With an unanticipated illness or medical emergency, it is ok to notify your employer as soon as is practical.
Is my employer allowed to require me to provide a doctor’s note when I request paid sick and safe days?
No.
Where can I learn more about paid sick and safe days?
If you have any questions or would like to join ongoing education and advocacy efforts about paid sick and safe days and other laws that allow Californians to care for themselves and their families, please email info@workfamilyca.org.
For more information or if you have questions about your specific legal rights, please contact our partners at Legal Aid at Work at 1-800-880-8047.
