As of 2024, how many paid sick days can California employees accrue, and after how many days may they be used?

• A. 3 days; usable after 60 days.
• B. 5 days; usable after 90 days.
• C. 7 days; usable after 120 days.
• D. 10 days; usable after 180 days.

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how paid sick leave is earned and when it becomes available to use. In California, employees typically accumulate sick leave over time and can use it after meeting a waiting period, commonly around 90 days of employment. A policy that provides five days of paid sick leave per year, with those days usable after 90 days, reflects a more generous employer practice that many workplaces adopt beyond the minimum. While the state minimum is three days per year (with usage after 90 days and accrual up to a set annual amount), some employers grant five days and still require that the leave be earned before use. Local rules can also affect the exact amounts.