Sick and safe leave can be used for the employee's or family member's illness, preventive care, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or public health emergency closures.
Paid Family & Medical Leave
ProgramMaryland Time to Care Act
DurationUp to 12 weeks of family leave, 12 weeks of medical leave, or 16 weeks combined. Additional time for pregnancy complications.
Pay RateUp to 90% of wages for lower-income workers, with a maximum weekly benefit.
FundingFunded through payroll contributions (employer pays 50%, employee pays 50%). Employers with fewer than 15 employees are not required to pay the employer share.
EligibilityEmployees who have earned at least $6,900 in the base period.
The Time to Care Act covers bonding, caring for a family member, the employee's own serious health condition, and military family leave.
Unpaid Family & Medical Leave
ProgramFederal FMLA + Maryland Family Leave
DurationUp to 12 weeks under FMLA. Maryland provides additional protections.
EligibilityFMLA: employers with 50+ employees, 12 months and 1,250 hours.
Maryland provides additional job protections for employees taking leave.
Jury Duty Leave
ProgramMaryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code Section 8-103
Paid?No — employers are not required to pay, but cannot penalize employees.
Employers must allow employees to serve on a jury. Employers cannot terminate or penalize employees for jury service.
Voting Leave
ProgramMaryland Election Law Section 10-303
Paid?Yes — up to 2 hours of paid time off.
Employees who do not have sufficient time outside working hours to vote are entitled to up to 2 hours of paid time off.
School Activity Leave
ProgramMaryland Labor and Employment Code Section 3-801
DurationUp to 24 hours per year.
EligibilityParents of children enrolled in K-12.
Paid?Unpaid, but employees may use accrued leave.
Leave is for attending school activities, emergencies, or meetings.
Domestic Violence Leave
ProgramMaryland Labor and Employment Code Section 3-804
DurationReasonable time off for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
EligibilityAll employees who are victims.
Paid?Unpaid, but employees may use accrued paid leave.
Leave can be used for medical care, legal proceedings, counseling, safety planning, or relocation.
Military Leave
ProgramMaryland National Guard Employment Protection Act
Employees who are members of the National Guard or reserves are entitled to military leave.
This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited sources for current law before making employment decisions.