Starting in 2017, companies that have federal contracts must allow employees to earn up to seven paid sick days per year, under an executive order signed by President Obama.

Employees can earn one sick day for each 30 hours worked, up to seven days per year. These days carry over from one year to the next, although an employee who quits or is fired without using them doesn’t have to be compensated for them.

Sick leave can be taken for an employee’s own illness, or to take care of a sick family member. It can also be used to deal with domestic violence, stalking or assault.

Companies cannot discriminate against a worker who takes sick leave, and cannot make sick leave dependent on the employee’s finding a replacement worker. Also, companies cannot demand a doctor’s note unless the leave lasts three or more consecutive days.