Massachusetts
Complete guide to Massachusetts leave laws including Paid Family and Medical Leave, earned sick time, and small necessities leave.
0
Annual leave
12
Public holidays
state
Location type
2025-01-15
Reviewed
Legal framework
Primary legislation
Governing body
Last updated
Official source
Entitlements overview
Annual leave
Statutory entitlement: 0
Calculation: No statutory requirement
Pro-rata: Per employer policy
Carryover: Determined by employer policy
Sick leave
Statutory: Yes
Paid days: 5
Statutory pay: Regular rate of pay
Eligibility: All employees, 11+ employees: paid sick time, 1-10 employees: unpaid sick time, Accrual: 1 hour per 30 hours worked
Parental leave
Maternity: Up to 26 weeks combined PFML
Paternity: Up to 12 weeks family leave
Adoption: Up to 12 weeks family leave
Shared leave: Each parent gets own entitlement
Additional leave and compliance
Other leave types
Small Necessities Leave Act: 24 hours per year (unpaid)
Domestic Violence Leave: 15 days (unpaid)
Jury Duty: As needed (paid)
Record keeping and notice
Records: Maintain sick time records for 3 years, Track PFML contributions and usage, Document all leave requests
Employer notice: Provide PFML notice at hire and annually
Employee notice: 30 days for foreseeable leave
Penalties: Sick time violations: Triple damages, PFML violations: Civil penalties, Retaliation: Reinstatement plus damages
Public holiday sample
New Year's Day: 2025-01-01
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: 2025-01-20
Presidents' Day: 2025-02-17
Patriots' Day: 2025-04-21
Memorial Day: 2025-05-26
Bunker Hill Day: 2025-06-17
Frequently asked questions
How does Massachusetts PFML work?
MA PFML provides up to 12 weeks family leave, 20 weeks medical leave (26 weeks combined) with up to 80% wage replacement. Funded by employer and employee contributions.
What is the Small Necessities Leave Act?
SNLA provides 24 hours of unpaid leave per year for school activities or elderly relative medical appointments. Applies to employers with 50+ employees.
Must Massachusetts employers pay for jury duty?
Yes, employers must pay regular wages for the first 3 days of jury service. After that, the state pays jurors.
Who is eligible for Massachusetts PFML?
Employees who earned at least $6,000 in the last 4 quarters from Massachusetts employers are eligible for PFML benefits.
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