Delaware Paid Sick Leave Laws (2026)

Whether paid sick leave is required in Delaware, who is covered, how it accrues, and where the law comes from.

Not required by state law Verified Jul 6, 2026

Compiled and verified by David Scott · Verified Jul 6, 2026

Delaware does not require paid sick leave. Not required by state law (a state paid leave program covers family and medical leave separately). Some employers still offer it as a benefit, and cities in some states set their own rules.

Paid sick leave in Delaware

Required by state law

Typical accrual

Set by the employer, if offered

The rule

Not required by state law (a state paid leave program covers family and medical leave separately).

Good to know

Paid sick leave and paid vacation are different things. This page covers sick leave. For whether unused vacation must be paid when you leave a job, see Delaware PTO payout rules. This is general information, not legal advice.

Common questions

Delaware paid sick leave FAQ

Does Delaware require paid sick leave?

Not required by state law (a state paid leave program covers family and medical leave separately).

Is there a federal paid sick leave law?

No. There is no general federal law requiring private employers to provide paid sick leave. Federal contractors are an exception, and the FMLA provides unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees.

How does paid sick leave usually accrue?

In states that require it, sick leave typically accrues at about 1 hour for every 30 to 40 hours worked, with an annual cap set by the law. The exact rate and cap vary by state.

Where can I find the official Delaware rules?

The Delaware Department of Labor publishes the official requirements, linked on this page.

David Scott

David Scott compiles and verifies minimum wage rates, tipped wages, and overtime rules from official state and federal labor department sources, and re-checks every page when rates change. See how the data is sourced.