Washington paid sick leave
Under the Washington Paid Sick Leave, employees accrue 1 hour per 40 hours worked, with no annual cap.
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 40 hours worked |
|---|---|
| Annual accrual cap | None |
| Annual use cap | Not specified |
| Carryover | Permitted, capped at 40 hours |
| Frontloading allowed | No |
| Waiting period before use | 90 days |
| Employer size threshold | All employers |
| Payout on termination | Not required |
| Effective from | 1 January 2018 |
Notes
DENOMINATOR IS 40, not 30, and there is NO annual accrual cap. At least 40 hours must carry over. Frontloading is restricted.
Covered reasons
- Employee illness
- Family care
- Domestic violence
- School or workplace closure
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