PTO, Vacation & Sick Leave

Questions about paid time off, vacation, and sick leave are common in the workplace. Whether your employer can deny your PTO, require you to use vacation time, or take away unused leave can depend on your employer’s policies and the laws that apply to your job.

Use the guides below to find answers to common questions about PTO, vacation time, sick leave, unused PTO, and protected leave.

PTO & Vacation

Sick Leave

Using PTO

  • Can Your Employer Deny Your PTO Request?
  • Can Your Employer Make You Work While You Are on PTO?
  • Can You Use PTO for a Doctor’s Appointment?
  • Can You Use PTO for a Family Emergency?
  • Can Your Employer Require You to Use PTO?

Unused PTO & PTO Payout

  • Does Unused PTO Have to Be Paid When You Quit?
  • Does Unused PTO Have to Be Paid When You Are Fired?
  • Can You Lose Accrued PTO?
  • Does Vacation Time Expire?
  • Can Your Employer Have a Use-It-or-Lose-It PTO Policy?
  • What Happens to PTO When You Leave a Job?

PTO Policies & Employer Rules

  • Can Your Employer Change Your PTO Policy?
  • Can Your Employer Take Away Your PTO?
  • Can Your Employer Limit How Much PTO You Accrue?
  • Can Your Employer Cap Your PTO?
  • Can Your Employer Have Different PTO Rules for Different Employees?
  • How Much PTO is normal?

PTO & Protected Leave

  • Does PTO Count as FMLA Leave?
  • Can Your Employer Make You Use PTO During FMLA?
  • Can You Use PTO During FMLA Leave?
  • Can You Use Sick Leave During FMLA?
  • Can Your Employer Require PTO During Maternity Leave?
  • Can You Be Fired for Taking Protected Leave?
  • Do You Accrue PTO While On FMLA?

Understanding Your PTO Rights

Whether you are requesting time off, using sick leave, or leaving a job with unused PTO, the answer can depend on more than your employer’s handbook. Federal law, state and local laws, employment agreements, and company policies may all affect your rights.

Browse the articles above to learn more about your rights and what your employer can—and cannot—do when it comes to PTO, vacation, and sick leave.

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Employment laws vary by state and individual circumstances, and laws can change. Please consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation. Please read our Terms and Conditions.