Washington State Paid Sick Leave (PSL)

Employers in Washington State are required to provide paid sick leave to their employees at their normal wage. Employees begin earning paid sick leave on the first day of work. Employees earn at one hour of paid sick leave at their normal wage for every 40 hours worked. Employees can take up to 40 hours of sick leave per year. If you do not use all of the paid sick leave you’ve earned by the end of the accrual year, your employer must carry over balances of 40 hours or less to the next year.

Employees may use this leave:

• For a mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition or if you need a medical diagnosis or preventative medical care.
• If a family member (see below) needs care for a mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition, or needs a medical diagnosis or preventative medical care.
• If your workplace or your child’s school or place of care has been closed for any health-related reason by order of a public official.
• If you are absent from work for reasons that qualify for leave under the state’s Domestic Violence Leave Act (DVLA).