Just a reminder that this COVID Specific MA Paid Leave employer obligation is still in effect, and was extended in October 2021 to April 1, 2022, or until program funds are exhausted. In addition, the state legislature added one addition to the qualifying reasons for leave. Employees will now be eligible to care for a family member who "is obtaining immunization related to COVID-19 or is recovering from an injury, disability, illness or condition related to such immunization."
Currently, employees that have exhausted their 40-hour entitlement under this program will not be entitled to any additional leave under the statute according to the Frequently Asked Questions page maintained by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. The law does not address how many times an employee can take leave, but there is a cap with respect to total hours (40) under this state program. This FAQ details how this program interacts with the Federal program rolled out last year.
Beginning July 8, 2021 and until April 1, 2022 or the exhaustion of the $75 million in program funds, employers may apply for reimbursement of the costs of providing COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave. The application is available through the Department of Revenue's MassTaxConnect website.
To stay up to date on this program, and how this program interacts with the Federal program and reimbursements, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-temporary-emergency-paid-sick-leave-program.
Employers with specific questions and situations not covered in the FAQ should email CovidSickLeave@mass.gov for clarification and directions.
Disclaimer: The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual and/or company situation.