Am I entitled to paid sick leave in California?

What the Law Says

California law guarantees paid sick leave to most employees who work at least 30 days within a year in the state.

The Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 (Labor Code § 246 et seq.) requires employers to provide paid sick leave to nearly all employees — including part-time, temporary, and exempt workers — who work in California for 30 or more days within a year.

Employees begin accruing sick leave on their first day of employment (or July 1, 2015, for existing employees), at a rate of no less than one hour for every 30 hours worked. Employers may cap accrual at 6 days (48 hours) and limit use to 3 days (24 hours) per year unless they choose a higher amount.

Sick leave can be used for the employee’s own illness or preventive care, or to care for a family member — including child, parent, spouse, registered domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling.

Statutory Text

An employee shall accrue paid sick leave at a rate of not less than one hour for every 30 hours worked.

— Labor Code § 246(b) — Accrual of paid sick leave

Statutory Text

An employee is entitled to use accrued paid sick days beginning on the 90th day of employment.

— Labor Code § 246(e) — Use of paid sick days

Statutory Text

An employer shall not deny an employee the right to use accrued paid sick days…

— Labor Code § 246.5(a) — Prohibited acts

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