Ever woken up in Charleston with a fever that makes Rainbow Row look like a watercolor, or caught a cold while working in Greenville that not even the best shrimp and grits could cure? Whether you're working in manufacturing in Spartanburg, serving tourists in Myrtle Beach, or teaching in Columbia, understanding South Carolina's approach to sick leave matters.
Here's what makes South Carolina's approach straightforward: Like our preference for sweet tea - simple and traditional - South Carolina doesn't require private employers to provide paid sick leave. It follows the federal FMLA framework while letting employers set their own policies.
South Carolina does not have a statewide law requiring private-sector employers to provide paid or unpaid sick leave. However, many employers offer sick leave as part of their benefits packages, and federal laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provide additional protections for eligible workers. Public-sector employees, such as state government workers, may have access to structured sick leave benefits under state policies.
Here’s everything you need to know about sick leave in South Carolina in 2025.
No. South Carolina does not mandate sick leave for private-sector workers. Employers are not legally required to provide paid or unpaid sick leave unless:
Public-sector employees, including state workers, generally receive structured sick leave benefits under state employment rules.
South Carolina employees may qualify for unpaid, job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
FMLA Overview
FMLA covers leave for:
For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
Although not legally required, many South Carolina employers voluntarily offer sick leave or Paid Time Off (PTO). Common features include:
Employees should check their employer’s handbook for details on sick leave accrual, usage, and carryover rules.
The specific uses of sick leave depend on the employer’s policies, but common uses include:
Covered family members may include:
Public-sector employees in South Carolina, such as state workers, typically have access to structured sick leave benefits, including:
State employees should consult the South Carolina Department of Administration or their agency’s HR policies for details.
Federal COVID-19-specific leave mandates, such as those under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), have expired. However, some South Carolina employers may allow employees to use accrued sick leave for COVID-19-related reasons, including:
Some employers may still offer flexible sick leave policies for COVID-19-related absences.
Even though South Carolina does not mandate sick leave, employers can benefit from offering it. Providing sick leave can:
Employers should document sick leave policies in their employee handbooks and ensure compliance with federal FMLA requirements.
Q: Can an employer require a doctor’s note?
A: Yes. South Carolina employers can request documentation, such as a doctor’s note, for extended absences (typically after three consecutive days of sick leave).
Q: Are part-time or temporary employees eligible for sick leave?
A: It depends on the employer’s policy. South Carolina law does not require sick leave for part-time or temporary workers, but many employers voluntarily offer it.
Q: What happens to unused sick leave?
A: Employers are not required to allow sick leave to carry over unless their policy specifies otherwise. Public-sector employees can accumulate sick leave indefinitely.
False. South Carolina does not have a statewide sick leave mandate for private-sector employees.
False. Employers are not required to pay out unused sick leave unless their company policy states otherwise.
False. If an employee works for a company with a sick leave policy, the employer must honor it as written.
Sick leave is an important benefit that allows employees to recover from illness and care for family members without financial stress. For employers, providing sick leave helps reduce turnover, improve morale, and foster a healthier workplace.
Understanding your sick leave rights in South Carolina can feel like navigating the Lowcountry marshes - it helps to have a guide. Whether you're an employee trying to understand your benefits or an employer looking to create supportive policies, staying informed is crucial.
If you're a business looking to navigate South Carolina's employment landscape while expanding your workforce, consider partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) service. They can help manage your HR compliance, payroll, and benefits administration while you focus on growing your business. Learn more about EOR services and how they can simplify your employment needs at TCW Global's EOR solutions.
Remember, while South Carolina may not mandate paid sick leave, creating supportive time-off policies isn't just good for employees - it's good for business. Like our state motto "Dum Spiro Spero" (While I Breathe, I Hope), taking care of your workforce helps everyone thrive.
Need specific guidance? Consider consulting with your HR department, reviewing your employee handbook, or speaking with an employment law professional who understands South Carolina's unique business environment.
While South Carolina does not mandate statewide sick leave, many employers offer voluntary sick leave policies. Public-sector employees receive structured sick leave benefits, and federal protections like FMLA provide additional support for eligible workers.
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