Five Things Californians Should Know About Paid Sick Leave

En español - AARP strongly supports California’s Paid Sick Leave program, because working Californians shouldn’t have to go to work sick, and because family caregivers who work shouldn’t have to choose between caring for a loved one and making a living.

Here are five things you should know about California’s Paid Sick Leave program:

1) What is Paid Sick Leave?

Under state law, working Californians can take paid time off for the flu or other illnesses and preventative care, and if they need time off to deal with their or a family member’s experience of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or violence. As of January 1, 2024, California expanded the availability of paid sick leave for most California workers from three to five days.

2) How long has this program been around?

California enacted Paid Sick Leave in 2015.

3) Am I eligible?

You are eligible to take standard Paid Sick Days (up to 5 days) if:

• You’ve worked for the same employer for at least 90 days;
• You need time off for the diagnosis, care or treatment of an existing health condition, preventive care, or need time off to deal with domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking;
• You need time off for the diagnosis, care or treatment of an existing health condition, or preventive care for a parent, child, spouse, registered domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild or sibling;
• You experienced violence and need time off to seek relief from a court;
• You or a family member experienced violence and need time off for reasons related to safety or recovery (if your employer has 25+ employees).

4) For whom can I care while taking paid sick leave?

Paid Sick Leave is available for:

• Diagnosis, care or treatment of an existing health condition of, or preventive care for a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, a registered domestic partner, or a chosen additional loved one;
• Employees in firms of 25 or more workers may also support a loved one dealing with violence or recovery from violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.

5) Where can I get more information about Paid Family Leave and caregiving?

• Always begin by talking to your HR department or your union;
• The State of California provides information about the Paid Sick Leave program, click here;
• If you have questions about the Paid Sick Leave program or need assistance, you may reach out to Legal Aid at Work at 1-800-880-8047 and EDD at 1-877-238-4373;
• Prepare to Care: A Resource Guide for Families was developed by AARP to help make caregiving more manageable. It includes information on how to have difficult but vital conversations with older family members, organize important documents, assess your loved one’s needs, and locate important resources.