Direct answer: Chicago (Cook County) requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual 1 hour per 40 hours, max 40 hours/year (or 5 paid days frontloaded), paid. Source: https://www.chicago.gov/; retrieved 2026-09-21.
This page summarizes a local ordinance for general guidance only. It is not legal advice. The controlling language is the official municipal code at the source link below.
Local ordinance vs Illinois state law
Provision
Chicago
Illinois State
Employer threshold
1 employee
1 employee
Accrual rate
1 hour per 40 hours
1 hour per 40 hours worked
Max accrual
40 hours/year (or 5 paid days frontloaded)
40 hours per year
Paid / unpaid
paid
paid
Local insight
Chicago Paid Leave Ordinance: separate, stricter; covers all employers.
Compliance go / no-go
Determine if your workforce meets the local threshold (1 employee).
Accrue at 1 hour per 40 hours (or use a more generous PTO policy that meets/exceeds the local minimum).
Cap accrual at 40 hours/year (or 5 paid days frontloaded); honor carryover per local rule.
Post the required notice and keep a written policy citing the local ordinance.
Chicago may have private right of action / penalties for non-compliance — retain records.
What are the paid sick leave rules in Chicago for 2026?
Chicago requires paid sick leave for 1 employee. Accrual: 1 hour per 40 hours. Max: 40 hours/year (or 5 paid days frontloaded). Chicago Paid Leave Ordinance: separate, stricter; covers all employers.
How does Chicago sick leave differ from Illinois state law?
Chicago ordinance follows the same accrual framework as Illinois state law but may have local administrative details. See the official source for exact text.
Where can I find the official Chicago sick leave ordinance?
The official text is published by the local agency: https://www.chicago.gov/.