New Hampshire . Leave . Updated April 2026

New Hampshire relies on federal FMLA for protected leave, with no state-mandated paid sick leave.

New Hampshire does not have a statewide paid sick leave law. Employers are not required to offer paid sick leave, making federal FMLA the primary protected leave framework for qualifying employees. The state does offer a voluntary paid family and medical leave program, but only for employers who opt-in.

FMLA Eligibility
50+ employees
FMLA Duration
12 weeks unpaid
State PSL
None
Active

Federal FMLA only (no state PSL)

Federal FMLA primary leave framework — 12 weeks unpaid at 50+ employee employers. NH has no statewide paid sick leave law. Workers rely on federal FMLA, voluntary employer-provided PSL, or NH Voluntary Granite State PFML if employer participates.

No state PSL mandate
FMLA applies at 50+ employees
Always running

What these rules do as a New Hampshire shift is created.

Teambridge continuously monitors employee eligibility for federal FMLA and provides tools to help employers track leave, ensuring compliance even without a state-mandated paid leave policy.

No state PSL accrual

Teambridge prevents the automatic accrual of state-mandated paid sick leave for New Hampshire employees, as no such state law exists, avoiding erroneous policy application.

FMLA eligibility tracking

For employers with 50 or more employees, Teambridge tracks FMLA eligibility based on employee tenure and hours worked, flagging when an employee qualifies for 12 weeks of unpaid, protected leave.

Granite State PFML notice

Teambridge can be configured to remind employers about the voluntary Granite State Paid Family and Medical Leave program, prompting consideration for participation.

Compliance, on autopilot.

Teambridge handles the complexities of New Hampshire's leave laws, so you don't have to. Focus on your business, and let us ensure compliance.

The rule, plainly stated

New Hampshire does not mandate paid sick leave; federal FMLA governs protected leave.

New Hampshire has not enacted a statewide paid sick leave law. Employees in New Hampshire primarily rely on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for job-protected leave. The state offers a voluntary Granite State Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, but participation by employers is optional.

Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The FMLA requires covered employers to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specified family and medical reasons. Covered employers are those with 50 or more employees working within 75 miles. Eligible employees must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months and for at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to leave commencement.

New Hampshire's Stance on Paid Leave

Unlike many other states, New Hampshire does not have a state law mandating employers to provide paid sick leave. This means that, absent a company-specific policy or collective bargaining agreement, employees are not guaranteed paid time off for illness. Employers are free to establish their own sick leave policies, which can be paid or unpaid, at their discretion.

Voluntary Granite State Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

New Hampshire launched the voluntary Granite State PFML program, which provides eligible employees with 60% wage replacement for up to six weeks per year for qualifying family and medical reasons. This program is distinct from FMLA. Employers can choose to offer PFML benefits to their employees by purchasing coverage through a private insurer or opting into the state's plan. If an employer participates, their employees may be able to access paid leave benefits that run concurrently with FMLA leave if applicable.

On autopilot

Teambridge ensures New Hampshire leave compliance with precision.

Teambridge integrates federal FMLA requirements into its system, providing accurate eligibility tracking and leave management for New Hampshire employers, while also acknowledging the absence of state-mandated PSL.

01 . Policy configuration

No state PSL auto-creation

Teambridge's initial setup for New Hampshire automatically configures no state-mandated paid sick leave policy, preventing unnecessary compliance overhead.

02 . FMLA eligibility alerts

Proactive FMLA tracking

For employers meeting the 50+ employee threshold, Teambridge continuously monitors employee tenure and hours, alerting managers when an employee becomes FMLA-eligible.

03 . Leave request processing

Streamlined FMLA requests

Teambridge facilitates the processing of FMLA leave requests, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to federal guidelines for duration and job protection.

04 . Granite State PFML support

Optional PFML integration

If an employer opts into the Granite State PFML program, Teambridge can integrate with their chosen insurer to help manage claims and coordinate benefits.

FAQ

People also ask.

Does New Hampshire have a state-mandated paid sick leave law?
No, New Hampshire does not have a statewide law mandating paid sick leave. Employers are not required by state law to offer paid sick time to their employees.
What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in New Hampshire?
The FMLA is a federal law that applies to employers with 50 or more employees. It provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons, such as the birth of a child or a serious health condition. This applies to eligible employees in New Hampshire.
Is New Hampshire's Granite State Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program mandatory for employers?
No, the Granite State PFML program is entirely voluntary for employers. Employers can choose to offer PFML benefits to their employees by purchasing coverage through a private insurer or opting into the state's plan.
Can an employer in New Hampshire choose to offer paid sick leave?
Yes, while not mandated by state law, employers in New Hampshire are free to establish their own paid sick leave policies as an employee benefit. Many employers choose to do so to attract and retain talent.
How does FMLA interact with the Granite State PFML program?
If an employer participates in the Granite State PFML program and an employee is eligible for both FMLA and PFML, the leave periods generally run concurrently. PFML provides wage replacement during a period of leave that may also be covered by FMLA's job protection.
What are the eligibility requirements for federal FMLA?
To be eligible for FMLA, an employee must have worked for a covered employer for at least 12 months, have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period immediately preceding the leave, and work at a location where the employer has 50 or more employees within 75 miles.