PFML and Sick Leave FAQ’s

No, these changes are effective January 1, 2025.

Faculty members do not accrue sick leave benefits, so their PFML benefits currently provide 100% of pay. This change now aligns benefits for both staff and faculty members.

Your PFML benefit will increase to 100% of your base salary as of January 1, 2025.

Faculty receive 100% of their base pay while on a PFML leave. They are entitled to 40 hours of sick time each year.

The changes will apply to all staff members whether they live in Massachusetts.

A short-term leave generally is up to a maximum of 5 workdays.

No, your sick leave benefits accrued through December 31, 2024, will not be reduced. On January 1, 2025, and after that date, you can continue to use up to the full balance of your accrued sick leave.

Yes, you will continue to accrue sick leave in 2024 up to the current 130-day maximum. However, beginning January 1, 2025, you will not accrue additional days until your accrued balance falls below the new 30-day maximum.

We are aligning faculty and staff member benefits. With the increased PFML benefit, there is no longer a need for a staff member to supplement PFML with sick leave. The 30-day annual accrual is provided for short-term needs and intermittent health needs (beyond longer term leaves) that you may need to take to care of yourself and your family.

This change was determined by looking at sick time use over a set period of time as well as researching this practice at peer institutions of higher education.

This change does not affect eligibility for BU leave benefits, so no, this change does impact any part-time staff member working less than 50% of time. Part-time staff working less than 50% on a full-time work schedule remain eligible for benefits available under the Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law. In addition, part-time staff members continue to remain eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML).

Yes, depending on the duration and frequency of your medical needs, you can use your PFML benefits for this purpose. For example, if you are receiving treatment for a serious medical condition once a week for several weeks, you may apply for an intermittent PFML leave for these absences.

Employees may apply via phone or online for PFML benefits. Benefits are reviewed within 72-120 hours after a Leave administrator receives necessary, requested medical documentation.

Employees may appeal the decision for a denial to use PFML.

A spouse or domestic partner, children, parents, spouse or domestic partner’s parents, grandchildren, grandparents, and siblings.

PFML applications are evaluated within 48-72 hours after all medical documentation is received and reviewed.

PFML benefits can be received in the form of an intermittent leave, which allows employees to take time to receive medical care for a chronic condition or a leave on an ongoing, intermittent basis.