| Update Applicable to: | Effective Date |
| All Employers with Employees Working in Cook County, Illinois. | April 10, 2025 – Immediately |
What happened?
On April 10, 2025, Cook County updated its paid leave rules to clarify employer responsibilities and align with state law.
Overview:
Key Changes for Employers – what employers need to know:
- Leave Accrual
- Employees earn 1 hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked.
- Leave no longer accrues while using paid leave.
- Payment Timing: Paid leave must be paid by the payday following the pay period in which it was used
- Benefits During Leave: Employers may offer benefits (like health insurance or seniority) during leave, but only if they do so consistently with regular work policies.
- Disciplinary Leave: Employers cannot require employees to use paid leave during suspensions but may allow it.
- Leave Use and Notice
- Leave can be used for any reason.
- Employers must have clear, reasonable notice policies and cannot require employees to find replacements.
- Flexible Leave Options
- Employers may use an accrual or frontload method (e.g., granting 40 hours upfront).
- Mixed methods are allowed with conditions.
- Recordkeeping and Notifications: Employers must keep records for 3 years and provide written policies and annual notices to employees.
- Coverage: Applies to most private employers in Cook County, including those with domestic workers and staffing firm employees.
- Enforcement: Violations may result in fines, back pay, and damages. Misclassifying employees can double penalties.
- Policy Updates: Employers must update policies as needed and notify employees in writing within 5 days of any changes.
For additional information, please read the Cook County Revisions.
Source References
Resources
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