Calling in "Sick" for Someone Else: The New York Guide to Family Feigning
Ah, the glorious sick day. A time for PJs, questionable life choices involving cold pizza for breakfast, and catching up on that never-ending Netflix queue. But what if your loved one, your partner-in-crime (minus the crime, hopefully), needs some TLC and you're fresh out of vacation days? Fear not, fellow New Yorker, for the Empire State has your back (and your family member's sniffles)!
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| Can I Use Sick Days To Care For A Family Member In New York |
Yes You Can! (But There's a Catch... Maybe)
New York's got your back, with both the state Paid Sick Leave and New York City's Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law. That means you can absolutely use your hard-earned sick days to care for a sick (or not-so-sick, we won't judge) family member. Bonus points: You can even use them for "safe" reasons, like dealing with domestic violence or stalking (yikes, let's hope it doesn't come to that).
Here's the catch (there's always a catch, right?): It depends on your employer's size and location.
- Big City, Big Benefits (NYC): Companies with 5 or more employees gotta give you that sweet, sweet paid time off.
- Small Town, Big Heart (Rest of New York State): For companies with 5 or more employees (and a net income of over $1 million), you get paid sick leave. For those with fewer than 5 employees (and a net income under $1 million), you at least get unpaid sick leave.
Pro tip: Check your employee handbook or ask your boss to be sure about your specific policy.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
Who Counts as Family? (Because Your Pet Goldfish Probably Doesn't)
Don't worry, you don't need to bring your family tree to work. New York defines family broadly, including:
- Spouses (duh)
- Domestic partners (because love is love)
- Parents (thanks, Mom and Dad, for all those childhood sick days)
- Grandparents (because sometimes grandparents need chicken soup, too)
- Children (of course!)
- Grandchildren (they get sick a lot, bless their little hearts)
- Siblings (because sometimes siblings need someone to yell at the doctor with)
- And even in-laws (deep breaths, everyone)!
Basically, anyone who would be considered your "immediate family" or a close relative qualifies.
So, How Much Time Can I Take Off Exactly? (Don't Go Booking That Around-the-World Trip Just Yet)
Now, for the nitty-gritty. Here's the breakdown:
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
- NYC: Up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year.
- Rest of New York State:
- Companies with 100 or more employees: Up to 56 hours of paid sick leave per year.
- Companies with 5-99 employees: Up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year.
- Companies with fewer than 5 employees (and a net income under $1 million): Up to 40 hours of unpaid sick leave per year.
Remember: This is per year, so use them wisely!
FAQ: Sick Day Shenanigans for Family (The Legal Kind)
How to know if I qualify for sick leave?
Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department. They'll have all the details on your company's specific policy.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
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How much notice do I need to give my employer?
It depends on your company's policy, but generally, giving them a heads-up as soon as possible is best.
Do I need a doctor's note?
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
Usually not, unless your employer requires it or you're taking a significant amount of time off.
What if I run out of sick days?
See if you can use vacation days or other paid time off.
Can I get fired for using sick days to care for a family member?
Nope! New York law protects your right to use sick leave for these reasons.
So there you have it! Now you can (legally) play hooky to help your family member feel tip-top. Remember, a healthy and happy family means a healthier and happier you (and a more productive employee, wink wink).
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