---
title: Earned Sick Time (EST) – Quick Reference Guide
description: Understand your Earned Sick Time (EST) benefits in Massachusetts—how to earn, use, and request sick time, plus key policies and requirements.
---

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# Earned Sick Time (EST) – Quick Reference Guide

**Who Qualifies?**

Earned Sick Time is provided in accordance with Massachusetts law. Because The Company is Massachusetts-based, this policy applies to employees on our payroll.

**How Sick Time is Earned**

- Earn **1 hour for every 30 hours worked**
- Up to **40 hours per calendar year (Jan–Dec)**
- Does not accrue on vacation, holiday, or other paid time not worked
- Up to 40 unused hours may carry over into the next year
- Accrual begins on your first day of work
- **Use begins after 90 calendar days of employment**

**How Much Can Be Used?**

- Up to **40 hours per calendar year**
- Must be scheduled to work in order to use sick time
- Time is charged in **1-hour minimum increments**

**Permitted Uses**

Sick time may be used for:

- Your own illness or medical appointment
- Caring for your child, spouse, parent, or spouse’s parent
- Travel to/from medical appointments or pharmacy
- Domestic violence–related medical, legal, or safety needs

**Notice Requirements**

- **Foreseeable absences:** At least **48 hours’ notice**
- **Unforeseeable absences:** Notify your manager at least **3 hours before your shift**
- Notice is required each day of absence
- Earned Sick Time will only be applied if it is requested at the time of call-out. Operations will complete the Sick Time Request Form on your behalf.

**Documentation May Be Required If:**

- Absence exceeds 24 scheduled work hours
- Absence exceeds 3 consecutive scheduled days
- 4 undocumented unforeseeable absences in 3 months
- Other policy-outlined situations

Failure to provide required documentation may result in unpaid time.

**Additional Information**

As a part-time workforce, employees do not receive separate vacation or PTO benefits. Paid time off is limited to Earned Sick Time (EST) in accordance with Massachusetts law.

**Important Reminders**

- Sick time may not be used for non-qualifying reasons.
- Clear patterns of use before weekends/holidays may be reviewed.
- Unused sick time is **not paid out** upon separation.

For questions about your sick time balance, please email HR.

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