Employers seeking reimbursement for paid COVID-19 sick leave should apply as soon as possible. The COVID-19 Massachusetts Emergency Paid Sick Leave Program (MEPSL) will likely end soon. By law, the program ends on April 1, 2022, or earlier if the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F) determines it that the $100 million budget will run out of money. 

A&F conveyed to AIM that the program is nearing the end of its $100 million budget. Any early termination of the program requires 15 days’ notice, and the formal announcement should be going out to employers later today.

While the program will not end today, the fund will be depleted in the near future. A&F will establish a run-out period after the program ends to allow employers to finish their submission of applications for reimbursement. AIM strongly encourages employers seeking reimbursement to apply as soon as possible. 

The program was created in May 2021 to provide Massachusetts workers with paid sick leave for COVID-19 related issues and employers could be reimbursed for the cost. For additional information, including details on the mandate and on how to secure reimbursement, see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-temporary-emergency-paid-sick-leave-program