Michigan 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 Michigan.

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 Michigan Have Paid Sick Leave Laws That Differ from Federal Paid Sick Leave Laws?

Yes, there is a law in place that mandates eligible employers to provide paid sick leave to qualified employees. It is covered under the Earned Sick Time Act and HB 4002, which were modified in February of 2025.

Are There Requirements to be Eligible for Paid Sick Leave in Michigan?

Most employees in the state of Michigan are eligible to accrue paid sick leave. The accrual rate varies based on the number of employees.

Additionally, the updated law extended the allowed employer waiting period. Employers may require newly hired employees to wait up to 120 days before they can begin using earned sick time. If an employee is rehired by the same employer within two months, they must receive any previously accrued sick time.

Is There a Minimum Amount of Paid Sick Time Required in Michigan?

The accrual rate for paid sick leave in Michigan is 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. The minimum amount of time an employee must receive depends on the number of employees in the organization.

Small business (employers with fewer than 10 employees) must provide a minimum of 40 hours in a year. Any additional accrued time may be unpaid (up to 32 hours in a year). Employers with 10+ employees must provide a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick time per year.

The deadline for small businesses to begin providing paid sick time to workers was October 1, 2025. Additionally, any small business that did not have at least one employee on or before February 21, 2022 has three years from the date of employment for the first worker to begin providing paid sick leave.

Employers do not have to allow employees to use more than the minimum number of hours in one year.

What Can PSL be Used for in Michigan?

The Earned Sick Time Act outlines various uses for accrued time:

• Seeking treatment for an employee’s or family member’s physical or mental illness, health condition, injury, medical diagnosis, or preventive care
• Obtaining services or participating in legal proceedings if the employee or a family member is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault
• Attending meetings at a child’s place of care or school related to disability, health, or violence/assault
• Caring for children due to the closure of a school or place or care
• Covering work time due to closure of the employee’s place of business due to a public health emergency

Is Paid Sick Leave Required to be Carried Over Each Year in Michigan?

Yes, eligible employers are required to offer the option to carry over accrued sick time up to 40 hours (small business employers) or 72 hours (other employers). They do not have to allow employees to use more than the minimum amount in a year.

Is Paid Sick Leave (PSL) Different from Paid Time Off (PTO) in Michigan?

Paid time off is not a required benefit in Michigan. Paid sick leave is required of most employers with at least 1 employee in the state.

Common Michigan Paid Sick Leave Laws FAQs

How much paid sick leave am I entitled to take and be paid for in Michigan?

If you work for an eligible employer, you are entitled to earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours in a year (under 10 employees) or 72 hours in a year (10+ employees).

Does paid sick leave apply to all employees who work in Michigan?

Paid sick leave applies to most employees in Michigan.

Which employees are exempt or partially exempt from the paid sick leave law in Michigan?

Independent contractors and those covered under certain collective bargaining agreements may be exempt. Additionally, exemptions may apply to individuals working for the federal government, workers covered under the Youth Employee Standards Act 1978 PA 90, publicly elected officials, and members of publicly appointed commissions and boards. Federal law excludes railway workers who are covered under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act.

Do I have to notify my employer before taking sick leave in Michigan?

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 Michigan?

The law protects employees from retaliation by their employer for using paid sick leave. However, 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.

WorkforceHub, a time and labor platform, can help your company manage any requirements associated with accruals. Learn more and try it for free today.

Michigan Earned Sick Time Act

House Bill 4002 of 2005

Earned Sick Time Act Poster

Frequently Asked Questions

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity