New York State Sick Leave Program Begins September 30

On April 3, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the New York State Budget Bill, enacting a new Paid Sick Leave Program effective January 1, 2021. This program requires all employers in New York State to provide annual sick leave to their employees, regardless of business size or type. Here’s what you need to know.

Employers must begin accruing sick leave on September 30, 2020. However, employees cannot begin using the leave until January 1, 2021. Most employers with four or fewer employees are required to provide unpaid leave; while most employers with five or more employees are required to provide paid leave. This leave will be carried over from year to year, subject to a usage cap.

If an employer already has an existing sick leave policy in place that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements, they do not need to provide additional sick leave. Employers do not need to pay for unused sick time.

There are various components related to how much sick leave must be provided and carried from year to year, depending on net income, number of employees, etc. Please reach out to your Farm Credit East payroll specialist to discuss the details surrounding the sick leave your business is required to provide.