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What is the Difference Between Earned Sick Time and Paid Family Medical Leave?

The Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law was passed several years before the Paid Family Medical Leave Act ("PFMLA").  The two laws serve very different purposes.

Earned sick time is meant for short term needs- either the employee's own illness, or a need to attend routine medical appointments or care for family members who are sick or need to go to medical appointments.  The maximum an employer is required to provide for sick time is five days, or 40 hours.

In contrast, PFML is intended for absences from 12 weeks up to as much as 26 weeks, depending on the reason for leave.

An employee may access both as part of the same health event, taking sick time for immediate care then applying for PFML if it appears they need more time.


Learn more here about the Massachusetts earned sick time law.

Need Help With a Paid Sick Time Question?

Call (781) 784-2322
OR
Schedule a Free Information Call
Do I have to provide paid sick time?

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  • Home
  • About
    • Reviews
    • Slnlaw Offices
    • Blog
    • slnlaw core values
    • Publications and Interviews
    • New Client Intake and Consultation
    • Contact
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Jenna Ordway
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Andrew Silvia
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Employment Law Solutions
  • Estate Planning
  • Business Law Solutions
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • Legal FAQs
    • Estate Planning FAQs
    • Probate FAQs
    • Small Business FAQs
    • Wage Act FAQs
    • Commission Pay FAQs
    • Overtime FAQs
    • Independent Contractor FAQs
    • Non Compete FAQs
    • Employment Discrimination FAQs
    • Employment Termination FAQs
    • Massachusettts Unemployment FAQs
    • Severance Package FAQs
    • Medical Leave FAQs
    • Sexual Harassment FAQs
    • Employer FAQs
    • Civil Lawsuit FAQs