Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), as amended by Public Act 2 of 2025, took effect February 21, 2025. In a February 12, 2026 letter, MDHHS reminded Home Help agency providers that staff may be entitled to earned sick time and that agencies are responsible for determining eligibility, tracking accrued time and paying eligible earned sick time.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity explains that the Act generally covers Michigan employers with one or more employees, subject to statutory exclusions and special rules. State guidance addresses accrual, use, notice, documentation and when an existing paid-time-off policy may satisfy the law.
For home-care employers, a written and consistently applied leave policy is important. Employers should review their staffing model, determine whether workers are employees or properly classified otherwise under applicable law, maintain accurate time records and ensure scheduling practices do not discourage lawful use of earned sick time.
Caregivers should consult the state’s current guidance or obtain qualified advice if they have questions about eligibility or leave balances. Employers should not rely on a general online summary to resolve a specific classification or compliance question.
This article is general information. The application of employment laws depends on the facts of the working relationship and current statutory and regulatory requirements.
