Vermont Labor Laws

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

By Oleg Kachko · Updated October 8, 2026
✓ Verified October 2026

The Vermont sick leave law gives you 1 hour for every 52 hours worked, capped at 40 hours a year, for all employers. This guide gives the exact vermont sick leave law rule with the date we verified it, the statute, and what to do next.

Rules verified against Vermont Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Program on 2026-10-08; confirm the current rule with Vermont Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Program or an attorney before you rely on it.

Vermont Sick Leave Law at a Glance

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Law Yes — paid sick leave
Accrual 1 hour for every 52 hours worked
Annual cap 40 hours a year
Who is covered All employers
Statute 21 V.S.A. 481 to 486 (Earned Sick Time)
In effect since January 1, 2017 (all employers January 1, 2018)

Vermont Sick Leave Law: The Rule

1 hour for every 52 hours worked. 40 hours a year. Covered: all employers. The statute is 21 V.S.A. 481 to 486 (Earned Sick Time), in effect since January 1, 2017 (all employers January 1, 2018).

⚠ Vermont sick leave law: 1 hour for every 52 hours worked; 40 hours a year. In effect since January 1, 2017 (all employers January 1, 2018).

What Vermont Sick Leave Law Lets You Use Leave For

Vermont’s Earned Sick Time Act generally lets a worker use earned sick time for their own illness, injury, or health condition, including preventive care. It also covers caring for a sick or injured family member, helping a family member get health care or travel to a long-term care appointment, and dealing with the effects of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

It can also be used when a family member’s school or care site closes for public health or safety reasons.

Vermont Sick Leave Law at a Glance

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

Law Yes — paid sick leave
Accrual 1 hour for every 52 hours worked
Annual cap 40 hours a year
Who is covered All employers
Statute 21 V.S.A. 481 to 486 (Earned Sick Time)
In effect since January 1, 2017 (all employers January 1, 2018)

Accrual, Caps and Carryover Under Vermont Sick Leave Law

1 hour for every 52 hours worked; 40 hours a year. A Vermont employer may generally require a worker to give notice as soon as practicable that they intend to use earned sick time, along with the expected length of the absence. Because documentation rules can vary, workers should confirm any doctor’s-note or paperwork requirement with the Vermont Department of Labor.

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

Vermont Sick Leave Law and Retaliation

The Act includes Vermont’s anti-retaliation protections, so an employer generally may not punish a worker for using earned sick time, filing a complaint, or cooperating in an investigation. If you believe you were disciplined or let go for using sick time, you may file a complaint with the Vermont Department of Labor. The Department can also investigate on its own.

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Local Rules and Vermont Sick Leave Law

Some cities add their own paid-leave ordinance on top of state law; the more generous rule applies.

Other Vermont Sick Leave Law Rules to Know

Vermont’s law specifically allows sick time to be used when a family member’s school or business is closed for public health or safety reasons. The Act has been amended in recent years, so confirm the current rules with the Vermont Department of Labor.

Denied the leave you earned? The labor department enforces the sick-leave law for free.

Contact Vermont Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Program

Vermont — the bottom line

  • The vermont sick leave law gives 1 hour for every 52 hours worked.
  • Under the vermont sick leave law the cap is 40 hours a year.
  • The vermont sick leave law protects you from retaliation for using the leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is paid sick leave required in Vermont?

Yes. 1 hour for every 52 hours worked.

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

40 hours a year.

Which employers are covered by the Vermont sick leave law?

All employers.

Can I be fired for using sick leave in Vermont?

The Act includes Vermont’s anti-retaliation protections, so an employer generally may not punish a worker for using earned sick time, filing a complaint, or cooperating in an investigation.

When did the Vermont sick leave law take effect?

January 1, 2017 (all employers January 1, 2018).

Official Vermont Sources & Resources

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

More Vermont Workplace Rights Guides

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.

Hurt at work before you lost the job? See whether workers comp or unemployment applies at Workers Comp Explained. Denied unemployment because you cannot work? Social Security disability may be the right program - start at Disability Claim Info. Lost income and worried about rent? Know your rights before an eviction notice arrives at Tenant Rights Info.