District of Columbia paid sick leave
Under the Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act, employees accrue 1 hour per 37 hours worked, up to 56 hours a year.
Informational, not legal advice. Checked against Congressional Research Service report R48921 and the state's own labour department. Statutes change every session — confirm against the primary source linked below before setting a policy. Last verified 18 August 2026.
The rule, in detail
| Accrual rate | 1 hour per 37 hours worked |
|---|---|
| Annual accrual cap | 56 hours |
| Annual use cap | 56 hours |
| Carryover | Permitted, capped at 56 hours |
| Frontloading allowed | Yes |
| Waiting period before use | 90 days |
| Employer size threshold | 100+ employees |
| Payout on termination | Not required |
| Effective from | 22 February 2014 |
Notes
RATE IS TIERED BY EMPLOYER SIZE: 100 or more employees accrue 1 hour per 37 worked (up to 7 days a year); 25 to 99 employees 1 per 43 (up to 5 days); fewer than 25 employees 1 per 87 (up to 3 days). The figures here describe the largest tier.
Covered reasons
- Employee illness
- Family care
- Domestic violence
- Stalking
- Sexual abuse
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