When can a worker take leave to care for a sick family member?
• When can a worker use paid leave benefits to care for sick family members? Workers with a paid leave benefit are entitled to use their choice of earned paid sick leave or other earned paid time off to care for a sick family member under Washington State’s Family Care Act. As long as the workers are eligible to use their earned paid leave for their own illnesses, they must also be allowed to use it for a family member who is ill. Some of the conditions and family members covered under Washington State’s Family Care Act are also covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Who is covered: Who is NOT covered: Children, parents, spouses, registered domestic partners, parents-in-law and grandparents. Siblings, aunts and uncles, grandparents-in-law and grandchildren. • In what situations can a worker use paid leave benefits to care for a child under 18? A “child” according to this law includes a biological, adopted or foster child, a stepchild, a legal ward, or a child of
