California paid sick leave
How much paid sick leave California employees earn and can use, and when local rules require more.
How it builds up
Employees earn at least 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
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Who qualifies
Employees who work for the same employer for 30 or more days within a year qualify, and can start using sick leave on their 90th day of employment.
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How much can be used
Employers may limit use to 40 hours or 5 days per year, whichever is more.
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Accrual cap
Employers may cap the total an employee accrues at 80 hours or 10 days, whichever is more.
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Front-loading
Instead of accrual, employers may give at least 40 hours or 5 days at the start of each year.
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Leaving a job
Unused sick leave isn't paid out when employment ends, unless it's part of a combined paid time off policy. It must be reinstated if the employee is rehired within a year.
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Local rules
Several cities, including Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, require more sick leave than state law.
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This is a summary of state law. Cities can require more, and exceptions apply to some industries. It isn't legal advice.