Washington Sick Leave Law: Accrual, Caps and Who Is Covered — Best Proven Guide (2026)

The Washington sick leave law gives you 1 hour for every 40 hours worked, capped at no cap on accrual or use; up to 40 hours carry over, for all employers. This guide gives the exact washington sick leave law rule with the date we verified it, the statute, and what to do next.

Rules verified against Washington Department of Labor and Industries, Employment Standards on 2026-10-08; confirm the current rule with Washington Department of Labor and Industries, Employment Standards or an attorney before you rely on it.

Washington Sick Leave Law: The Rule

1 hour for every 40 hours worked. No cap on accrual or use; up to 40 hours carry over. Covered: all employers. The statute is Wash. Rev. Code 49.46.200 to 49.46.210, in effect since January 1, 2018.

What Washington Sick Leave Law Lets You Use Leave For

Washington paid sick leave can generally be used for your own mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care, and to care for a family member with the same needs. It also covers absences when a public official closes your workplace or your child’s school or place of care for health-related reasons, and “safe leave” related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Since 2025, the law also covers some closures under an emergency declaration. Confirm current covered uses with the Department of Labor & Industries.

Washington Sick Leave Law at a Glance

Rules verified against Washington Department of Labor and Industries, Employment Standards on 2026-10-08; confirm the current rule with Washington Department of Labor and Industries, Employment Standards or an attorney before you rely on it. The statute row is where to check it yourself.

Accrual, Caps and Carryover Under Washington Sick Leave Law

1 hour for every 40 hours worked; no cap on accrual or use; up to 40 hours carry over. Your employer may ask for reasonable advance notice when the need for leave is foreseeable, and notice as soon as practicable when it is not, as long as the notice rules are in a written policy.

Your employer can only require verification for longer absences, and that verification cannot place an unreasonable burden or expense on you.

Paid or Unpaid Under Washington Sick Leave Law

The leave is paid at your regular rate for the covered employers above; smaller employers in some states must give the time unpaid.

Washington Sick Leave Law and Retaliation

Washington law prohibits employers from discriminating or retaliating against you for using or asking about paid sick leave, including counting authorized leave as an absence that can lead to discipline, discharge, demotion, or other adverse action. If you believe this happened, you may file a complaint with the Department of Labor & Industries.

Local Rules and Washington Sick Leave Law

Seattle has its own Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance, which can be more generous than state law and is enforced by the Seattle Office of Labor Standards. SeaTac also has a local standard for hospitality and transportation workers, so confirm with your city if you work there.

Other Washington Sick Leave Law Rules to Know

Washington’s law covers almost all employees regardless of employer size, and unused leave generally carries over to the next year. Your employer cannot make you find a replacement worker as a condition of using leave. “Family member” is defined broadly and, since 2025, includes some people who live in your household or who expect you to care for them.

Paid sick leave is separate from Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave, which is run by the Employment Security Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is paid sick leave required in Washington?

Yes. 1 hour for every 40 hours worked.

How much sick leave do I get under Washington sick leave law?

No cap on accrual or use; up to 40 hours carry over.

Which employers are covered by the Washington sick leave law?

All employers.

Can I be fired for using sick leave in Washington?

Washington law prohibits employers from discriminating or retaliating against you for using or asking about paid sick leave, including counting authorized leave as an absence that can lead to…

When did the Washington sick leave law take effect?

January 1, 2018.

Official Washington Sources & Resources

• Washington Department of Labor and Industries, Employment Standards: https://lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/wages/getting-paid/
• Washington statute (Wash. Rev. Code 49.46.200 to 49.46.210): https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=49.46.210
• Verified source: https://marketingpreview.mercer.com/content/dam/mercer-dotcom/migrated-assets/blogs/law-and-policy/2025/07/pdf-2025-roundup-state-accrued-paid-leave-mandates.pdf
• Verified source: https://www.ep.com/legal-and-compliance/sick-and-paid-leave-laws-update/
• Verified source: https://www.hubinternational.com/en-us/hub-resources/absence-management-bulletins/2025/11/2025-2026-state-leave-law-updates/
• Verified source: https://www.postercompliance.com/blog/paid-sick-leave-laws-by-state/
• U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division — state payday requirements: dol.gov

This washington sick leave law guide was last verified against official Washington sources in October 2026. Rules change — confirm the current figure with the state agency or a licensed attorney.

More Washington Workplace Rights Guides

• Washington PTO Laws: Is Unused Vacation Paid Out?
• Washington Break Laws: Meal and Rest Breaks
• Washington Labor Laws: Every Rule in One Place
• Washington Unemployment Eligibility: Who Qualifies
• Unemployment and Workplace Rights Guides for All 50 States

Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. My Unemployment Rights is an independent educational resource, not a government agency and not a law firm. Final-paycheck deadlines, penalties and non compete rules change — every figure here carries the date we verified it. Confirm the current rule with your state labor department or a licensed attorney before you act.