Illinois paid sick leave law

What it can be used for

Any reason at all. Employers cannot require a reason or documentation for the 40 hours. Minimum use increment is 2 hours. Source: labor.illinois.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)

Notice and documentation

For foreseeable leave, employers may require up to 7 calendar days' notice; otherwise as soon as practicable. Employers must post the state notice and keep leave balance records. Source: ilga.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)

City and county laws

Chicago has its own ordinance (from July 1, 2024): 1 hour per 35 worked, up to 40 hours paid leave plus 40 hours paid sick leave. Cook County has its own paid leave ordinance outside Chicago. Source: chicago.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)

Who is not covered

Independent contractors, some railroad and airline staff, certain college student workers, some union construction and delivery workers under a CBA, and school and park district employees. Source: labor.illinois.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)

Penalties

Civil penalty of $2,500 per offense; $500 then $1,000 for poster violations; employees can recover underpayment, damages and a $500 to $1,000 penalty. Source: ilga.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)

The law and where to check

The law: 820 ILCS 192 (Paid Leave for All Workers Act) (opens in a new tab)

The agency: Illinois Department of Labor (opens in a new tab)

What federal law says

No federal law requires private employers to give paid sick leave. Federal contractors must give up to 7 days a year under Executive Order 13706. Source: U.S. Department of Labor↗ (opens in a new tab) Source: U.S. DOL — EO 13706↗ (opens in a new tab)

Paid sick leave checklist for Illinois employers

A simple order of work, based on the rules above. It is not a legal checklist.

1. Check whether your business size is covered by the rule above.
2. Set up accrual in your payroll or HR system (or front-load the yearly amount).
3. Write a sick leave policy covering accrual, the cap, carryover, notice and documentation.
4. Show each employee's balance where your state requires it.
5. Check for city or county sick leave laws where your staff work.
6. Keep records of time earned and used.

More Illinois employment law guides

• All Illinois employment laws
• Illinois final paycheck law
• Illinois meal and rest break laws
• Illinois overtime law
• Illinois pay frequency law
• Illinois vacation and PTO payout law
• Illinois new hire reporting
• Illinois at-will exceptions

Paid sick leave laws in other states

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Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on publicly available official sources and is for information only. It is not legal, tax, payroll or employment-law advice and does not guarantee compliance with federal, state or local requirements. Rules can depend on your location, industry, contracts and other circumstances, and laws change. Always check the official source, the relevant government agency or a qualified professional before making a decision. MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for any action taken based on this page.

Last checked: October 19, 2026. Every rule and source link on this page was checked against the official government source on this date. Laws change, so always open the source link before you act.