Small Necessities Leave Act (MA Only)

Amended: 3/7/2024

Provided by: Department of Human Resources

Related Links and Resources: 

• Collective bargaining agreements  
• Postdoctoral Scholars Handbook 
• Faculty should refer to the handbook for their school 

This policy only applies to Massachusetts resident-employees who are eligible for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 

Based on a provision of the Small Necessities Leave Act, if you are an eligible employee you may take up to twenty-four (24) work hours of unpaid leave during a 12-month period for the purpose of tending to certain family matters.  Employees can choose to use paid time off in order to be paid for SNLA time off. Personal or family needs covered under this policy include: 

1. Participating in school activities directly related to the educational advancement of your Child (definitions of child such as biological adopted foster, stepchild).  For instance, a parent-teacher conference or an interview at a new school; 
2. Accompanying your child to a routine medical or dental appointment; for instance, a check-up or vaccination; or 
3. Accompanying an elderly relative to a routine medical or dental appointment or one related to the elder’s care, for instance, to an interview at a nursing or group home. An “elderly relative” is a person related to you by blood or marriage who is over 60 years old. 

The twenty-four (24) hours of unpaid leave are in addition to leave permitted by the FMLA and Parental Leave (pursuant to the Massachusetts Parental Leave Act).