Georgia Paid Sick Leave Laws

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 employees 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.

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Georgia Sick Leave Law

Georgia Department of Labor