New Yorkers can begin using sick leave benefits under the state’s nation-leading paid sick leave law starting today.

The legislation, which was advanced in the governor’s 2020 State of the State address and enacted as part of the 2021 state budget, secures paid sick leave for workers at medium and large businesses and paid or unpaid leave for those at small businesses, depending on the employer’s net income. New Yorkers can use guaranteed sick leave to recover from an illness themselves, care for a sick family member, or address safety needs if they or a family member are the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking.

“Even before the coronavirus pandemic, we knew that no one should have to make the unimaginable choice between keeping their job or caring for themselves or a loved one. This public health crisis has put that need in even greater relief. Now, as we continue to beat back COVID and build a stronger New York, we are expanding this fundamental right to all New Yorkers,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “New York has long championed workers’ rights, and this strongest-in-the-nation paid sick leave law will help millions of our neighbors stay healthy–a boon for both businesses’ bottom line and New Yorkers’ well-being.”

New Yorkers earn sick leave based on the hours they work, earning one hour of leave for every 30 hours they work, retroactive to Sept. 30, 2020. New York’s new guaranteed sick leave law requires businesses to provide different levels of sick leave depending on their size:

¯ Businesses with 100 or more employees must provide up to seven days (56 hours) of paid sick leave per year;

¯ Businesses with five to 99 employees must provide up to five days (40 hours) of paid sick leave per year;

¯ Businesses with fewer than five employees, but a net income of more than $1 million must provide up to five days (40 hours) of paid sick leave per year; and;

¯ Smaller businesses with fewer than five employees and a net income of less than $1 million must provide up to five days (40 hours) of unpaid sick leave. However, those already providing paid sick leave can continue to do so.