What States Require Vacation Carry Over?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning a vacation soon? If yes, then it’s essential to know your state’s vacation carry-over policy.

Some states require employers to allow their employees to carry over unused vacation days into the next year. This article will guide you through the states that require vacation carry-over.

What is Vacation Carry Over?

Vacation carry-over is when an employee is allowed to transfer unused vacation days from one year to the next. This is important because it allows employees to take time off without losing their earned vacation time.

States That Require Vacation Carry Over

Not all states require employers to allow their employees to carry over unused vacation days. However, some states do have laws that require employers to permit this. Below are the states that have such laws:

  • California: Employers must allow employees to carry over unused vacation days for one year.
  • Colorado: Employers must permit employees to carry over unused vacation days for one year.
  • Illinois: Employers must allow employees to carry over half of their earned but unused vacation time for up to three years.
  • Louisiana: Employers must permit employees to carry over unused vacation days for one year.
  • Maine: Employers must allow employees who work for more than one year with the same employer and earn paid leave, including vacation time, at least once per year, and who separate from employment in good standing, payment for any earned and unused paid leave not less than the regular hourly rate of pay received by the employee at the time of separation.
  • Massachusetts: Employers must permit employees who work in companies with more than five workers to carry over up to 40 hours of unused vacation time.
  • Nebraska: Employers must allow employees to carry over unused vacation days for one year.
  • New York: Employers must permit employees to carry over unused vacation days for one year.
  • Rhode Island: Employers must allow employees to carry over unused vacation days for one year.

Conclusion

Knowing your state’s vacation carry-over policy is crucial when planning your time-off. If you live in any of the above-listed states, you have the legal right to carry over your earned but unused vacation time. However, if your state is not on the list, it’s essential to check with your employer if they permit vacation carry-over.