Paid Sick Leave in Washington Cover Workers for Variety of Needs
Paid sick leave in Washington is available for practically every employee in the state. You’re covered whether you’re a full-time or part-time worker, as well as a temporary or seasonal worker.
Employees earn one hour of paid sick leave in Washington for every 40 hours worked. Accruing sick leave starts the first day you start work, though you have to wait 90 days from that start to begin using sick hours. If you work full time, that means you earn about 52 hours of sick leave for the year. If you don’t use the full amount of time you’ve accrued, as much as 40 hours of the remaining leave carries over into the next year.
Employers pay sick leave at the worker’s regular pay rate. Once the employees uses sick leave, employers pay it the following payday.
What Can You Paid Sick Leave in Washington For?
You can use your paid sick leave to care for your own health needs, or the needs of a family member. (Note: the state has expanded the law’s definition of family member starting summer of 2025. It now includes someone living in your home, or someone you have a relationship with in which it would be expected that you would care for them.)
You can also use sick leave when a public official orders the closure of your workplace, or child’s school/daycare facility, for health reasons. As well, you can use sick leave when a local, state or federal official declares an emergency.
You can also use sick leave for absences that qualify under the state’s Domestic Violence Leave Act.
Employer Rights and Responsibilities Regarding Sick Leave
The state forbids employers from retaliating against workers who use sick leave. However, if an employee’s absence extends beyond three consecutive days, an employer can require verification (such as a doctor’s note). For most workers, employers don’t have to pay out unused sick leave when employment ends.
Links
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries enforces the laws and policies surrounding paid sick leave. You can get more information from this webpage.
For longer health-related absences, employees can apply for benefits from Washington’s Paid Family Medical Leave. The program, administered by the Employment Security Department, works similarly to unemployment insurance.
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