As we previously reported, Massachusetts extended its COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave (MA EPSL) from September 30, 2021 until April 1, 2022. However, the law contained a contingency that it could end prior to the established expiration date if the allotted program funds were exhausted prior to the law’s expiration date.
On February 28, 2022, the state announced that the act will end on March 15, 2022, as the Executive Office for Administration and Finance had the authorization to end the program once $85 million worth of applications for reimbursement had been submitted.
Under the law, employers are required to temporarily provide employees up to 40 hours of MA EPSL to employees who are unable to work or telework due to specific qualifying reasons related to COVID-19. The law also permits employers to be reimbursement from the state for the amounts of MA EPSL paid to employees, up to the $850 per week cap.
Next Steps for Employers
Employers should continue to offer leave to eligible employees through March 15, 2022 and may still submit applications for reimbursement after March 15, 2022, for qualifying leaves taken between May 28, 2021, and March 15, 2022. All applications for reimbursement must be submitted by April 29, 2022.
Employers should also continue to ensure that the required MA EPSL notice remains posted in the workplace through March 15. The applicable notice may be downloaded by clicking here.
Additional guidance on MA EPSL reimbursements is available on the state’s website and may be accessed here.
