Washington DC Leave Law Summary for Employers (2026)
Comprehensive guide to Washington DC leave laws — Universal Paid Leave, paid sick leave, and all statutory entitlements.
Last updated
Washington DC has one of the most comprehensive paid leave programs in
the US, including the Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act and paid
sick leave requirements.
Paid Sick Leave
Yes — DC Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act
Paid Family Leave
Yes — DC Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act
Paid Sick Leave
ProgramDC Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act
Accrual1 hour of sick leave for every 87 hours worked.
MaximumUp to 80 hours per year.
EligibilityAll employees, including part-time workers.
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
ProgramDC Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act
DurationUp to 12 weeks for family leave, 12 weeks for medical leave, or 16 weeks combined.
Pay RateUp to 90% of wages for lower-income workers, with a maximum weekly benefit.
FundingEmployer-funded through payroll tax (0.62% of wages). Employees do not contribute.
EligibilityEmployees who have worked in DC for at least 50% of their time and meet earnings requirements.
Universal Paid Leave covers bonding, caring for a family member, the employee's own serious health condition, and military family leave.
Unpaid Family & Medical Leave
ProgramFederal FMLA + DC Family and Medical Leave Act
DurationUp to 12 weeks under FMLA. DC provides additional protections.
EligibilityFMLA: employers with 50+ employees, 12 months and 1,250 hours.
DC provides broader coverage than FMLA in some respects.
Jury Duty Leave
ProgramDC Code Section 11-1910
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
ProgramDC Code Section 1-1001.07
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.
Domestic Violence Leave
ProgramDC Code Section 32-1301
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
ProgramDC Code Section 49-202
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.