Georgia Paid Sick Leave Laws
In Georgia, only full-time public sector employees are legally entitled to accrue paid sick leave at a rate of 10 hours per month, totaling 15 days annually, while private sector employers are not mandated by state law to provide paid sick leave, and this leave can be used for illness, injury, or health-related issues.
Various states, cities, and municipalities have enacted legislation requiring employers to provide paid time off (PTO) for employees to use when they are sick. Learn more about this type of leave, called paid sick leave, and what’s required in the state of Georgia.
What is Paid Sick Leave?
Paid sick leave is a benefit that allows employees to take time off from work due to illness, injury, or other health-related issues without foregoing pay. The purpose of paid sick leave is to ensure that employees can recover from illness without the financial pressure of losing income. It also helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases in the workplace by encouraging sick employees to stay home.
There are no federal laws in place that mandate the provision of paid sick leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows qualified employees to take unpaid leave for certain health conditions.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) enacted temporary requirements for certain employers, granting up to two weeks of paid sick leave to employees who couldn’t work due to COVID-19 (diagnosis, symptoms, required quarantine, etc.) However, this legislation expired at the end of 2020.
Does Georgia Have Paid Sick Leave Laws That Differ from Federal Paid Sick Leave Laws?
There is a paid sick leave law in effect that applies to employees in the public sector. Private employers in Georgia are not required by law to provide paid sick leave.
Are There Requirements to be Eligible for Paid Sick Leave in Georgia?
Yes, only full-time employees in the public sector are eligible for paid sick leave in Georgia. Private employees are not required to receive paid sick leave under any law.
Is There a Minimum Amount of Paid Sick Time Required in Georgia?
Yes, full-time public employees must receive 15 days (3 weeks) of paid sick leave per year. The accrual rate is 10 hours per month.
What Can PSL be Used for in Georgia?
Eligible employees may use their paid sick leave to attend to the following needs:
- Personal injury, illness, condition, or disability
- Caring for an immediate family member’s injury, illness, or disability (spouse, child, parent, brother, sister, or anyone else who lives with the employee and is recognized by law as their dependent)
- Exposure to a contagious disease
- Seeking medical or dental care
- Death of a family member
Is Paid Sick Leave Required to be Carried Over Each Year in Georgia?
Eligible employees may save up to 90 days of paid sick leave, and anything over that amount will be forfeited (not carried over).
Is Paid Sick Leave (PSL) Different from Paid Time Off (PTO) in Georgia?
Employers may choose to provide paid sick leave as a separate benefit from paid time off, but neither is required by state law.
Common Georgia Paid Sick Leave Laws FAQs
How much paid sick leave am I entitled to take and be paid for in Georgia?
Public full-time employees are entitled to 15 days (3 weeks) of paid sick leave per year. Private employees are not required to receive paid sick leave.
Does paid sick leave apply to all employees who work in Georgia?
No, the law only applies to full-time employees in the public sector.
Which employees are exempt or partially exempt from the paid sick leave law in Georgia?
Employees of private companies are exempt. Additionally, federal employees and those covered under collective bargaining agreements may have different requirements in effect.
Do I have to notify my employer before taking sick leave in Georgia?
The requirement to notify an employer before taking sick leave is based on company policy.
Can I be disciplined for taking a sick day or using paid sick leave in Georgia?
If your employer provides paid sick leave, you must comply with your company’s policy around notifying the employer and providing required documentation. Employees found to be misusing paid sick leave or violating company rules may face discipline.
Related
North Carolina Paid Sick Leave Laws
North Carolina does not have state laws requiring private employers to provide paid sick leave, meaning any such benefits are at the employer's discretion, and while federal laws like the FMLA allow unpaid leave for certain medical reasons, no minimum paid sick leave is mandated in the state.
South Dakota Paid Sick Leave Laws
South Dakota does not have any state laws requiring private employers to provide paid or unpaid sick leave, leaving eligibility, usage, and amounts entirely to employer discretion, with no minimum mandates, unlike some other states or temporary federal provisions such as the now-expired FFCRA.
Hawaii Paid Sick Leave Laws
Hawaii does not have any state laws requiring private employers to provide paid or unpaid sick leave, leaving eligibility and provisions entirely to employer discretion, though employers who do offer such leave must notify employees of the policy and any changes in writing or via accessible postings.
Vermont Paid Sick Leave Requirements
Vermont's Earned Sick Time Law, effective since January 1, 2017, requires most employees working at least 18 hours per week in the state to accrue paid sick leave, allowing them to take paid time off for illness or health-related issues, with certain exemptions such as federal employees, seasonal workers under 20 weeks, per diem healthcare workers, substitute teachers, and minors.
Washington, DC Paid Sick Leave Requirements
Washington, DC requires employers under the Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act of 2008 and the Safe Leave Amendment Act of 2013 to provide paid sick leave to employees who work at least 50% of their time in the District, with accrual rates varying by employer size—from 1 hour per 87 hours worked for small workplaces (1-24 employees) to 1 hour per 43 hours worked for medium workplaces (25-99 employees) and tipped restaurant/bar employees, ensuring employees can take paid time off for illness or health-related issues.
Utah Paid Sick Leave Laws
Utah does not have any state laws requiring private employers to provide paid sick leave, meaning there are no mandated eligibility criteria, minimum amounts, usage rules, or carryover requirements, leaving such policies entirely to employer discretion.