Paid Sick Leave in Rhode Island
Whether Rhode Island requires paid sick leave, how much you earn and how you can use it.
Short answer: Yes. Employees earn at least 1 hour of sick and safe leave for every 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year. Employers with 18 or more employees must pay for it; smaller employers must provide it unpaid. R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 28-57 (Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act)
| Paid sick leave | Yes. Employees earn at least 1 hour of sick and safe leave for every 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year. Employers with 18 or more employees must pay for it; smaller employers must provide it unpaid. Accrual starts on the first day of work; use may be delayed up to 90 days for new employees (180 days for temporary, 150 days for seasonal workers). |
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Where to get help in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT), Division of Labor Standards
- File a complaint or claim
More Rhode Island employment law
- Minimum Wage in Rhode Island
- Final Paycheck Laws in Rhode Island
- Meal and Rest Break Laws in Rhode Island
- Wrongful Termination in Rhode Island
- Non-Compete Agreements in Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island employment law rules
FAQ
Is paid sick leave required in Rhode Island?
Yes. Employees earn at least 1 hour of sick and safe leave for every 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours a year. Employers with 18 or more employees must pay for it; smaller employers must provide it unpaid. Accrual starts on the first day of work; use may be delayed up to 90 days for new employees (180 days for temporary, 150 days for seasonal workers).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.