The Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020. There are two acts mandating paid leave: The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA); and The Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA).
Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA)

Under the FFCRA, an employee qualifies for up to 80 hours of paid sick leave time, starting on the first day of employment, if the employee is unable to work (or unable to telework) because the employee:

  • is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;
  • has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19;
  • is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis;
  • is caring for an individual who is subject to isolation or quarantine order related to COVID-19;
  • is caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed (or child care provider is unavailable) for reasons related to COVID-19.
  • Experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of Labor and Treasury.
Duration of Paid Sick Time

Eligiblity begins on the first day of employment

  • Full-time employee are granted up to 80 hours of EPSL.
  • Part-time employees are granted EPSL equivalent to their FTE, or an average number of hours worked over a two-week period. 

Employees with a qualifying reason will use EPSL prior to using any other leave accruals.

Application Process

Employees who need leave for a qualifying reason under EPSLA should inform their supervisor as soon as practicable. Employees should then contact Human Resources at dawn.fisher@msutexas.edu or 940-397-4787. 

Emergency Paid Sick Leave Application 

Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA):

The EFMLA expands the FMLA establishing a new provision allowing leave due to school closure or unavailability of childcare. The first 10 days may be unpaid, but the employee may elect to be paid by substituting accrued paid leave such as sick and vacation. The employer, however, cannot require an employee to use accruals for the purpose of EFML. Employees may use Emergency Paid Sick Leave during these two weeks.

EFML Eligiblity 

Full-time and part-time employees who have worked at least 30 calendar days.

EFML Entitlements 

Up to 12 workweeks of combined leave in a 12-month rolling period for any FMLA or EFML qualifying reason.

Qualifying Reason for Leave

There is only one qualifying reason for leave under the EFMLA:

Employee leave to care for his or her child whose school or childcare provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19.

Application Process

Employees who need leave for a qualifying reason under EFMLA should inform their supervisor as soon as practicable. Employees should then contact Human Resources at dawn.fisher@msutexas.edu or 940-397-4787. 

Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Application 

Helpful Questions and Answers

Last Modified: 08/25/2020