Understanding Families First Coronavirus Response Act

To comply with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) legislation passed by the US government, employers are required to provide paid leave to all of its eligible employees. This new federal legislation mandates paid sick leave and paid FMLA leave for the first time. This legislation is effective April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Employers under the below categories need to comply with the legislation:

• Public employers; including some federal employers.

• Private employers with less than 500 employees.

Note: Private employers who have less than 50 employees may apply for an exemption if their business is jeopardized.

The paid leaves covered by the FFCRA are described in the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Paid Medical Leave Act.