FreedomCare offers paid leave and sick time to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones when you need it most. The amount of leave you can earn—and when you can use it—depends on where you work in Illinois. Here’s what you need to know:
Earning Time Off
You earn paid time off based on the hours you work. In most areas, you earn 1 hour for every 40 hours worked.
- If you work in Chicago, you earn 1 hour for every 35 hours worked.
When You Can Use Your Time
In Chicago, Sick Time is available after 30 days of employment.
Paid Leave in Chicago and Cook County is available after 90 days of employment.
If you work outside of Chicago or Cook County, you can use Paid Leave as soon as you’ve accrued enough hours.
How Much Time You Can Use
You can use up to 40 hours of Paid Leave or Sick Time per year. You may be able to carry over some unused hours into the next year, but the maximum you can use in one year is still 40 hours.
Notice Requirements
For Sick Time, notify us as soon as possible. For Paid Leave, please provide at least 7 to 10 days’ notice, depending on your location.
Doctor’s Notes & Documentation
In Chicago, a doctor’s note is required only if you are out for three or more consecutive days. No documentation is required for Paid Leave in other areas.
Other Key Information
- Sick Time and Paid Leave cannot be cashed out if unused.
- Time off can be used for personal reasons, illness, medical appointments, or to care for a family member, depending on your location and type of leave.
Need help understanding your available time off? Contact the Wellness department at 929-227-4392 or email [email protected] for details based on your area.
If you work 30 hours per week or more, you can sign up for health insurance through Total Plan Concepts using the MagnaCare network.
Is there a premium?
Yes. Your premium (or weekly payment) for health insurance would be $44.17 per week.
How do I sign up?
To sign up, complete the Group Benefit Form within 90 days of your start date and email it to [email protected] or fax it to (347)-230-5491. If you sign up, you will start receiving health insurance 90 days after your start date.
If you want to sign up for health insurance after 90 days of employment, you must have a qualifying life event or wait until open enrollment.
Can I add my child to my health care plan?
To add a child under 26 to your health insurance plan, it costs $27.04 per week. They would be enrolled in the same medical plan as you have.
You can add your child(ren) to your health insurance plan during any of the following times:
- within 90 days of your start date at FreedomCare (coverage will start 90 days after your start date)
- if they have a qualifying life event
- during open enrollment
To add your children to your health plan, complete the Group Benefit Form and email it to [email protected] or fax it to (347)-230-5491.
Can I add my spouse to my health care plan?
You cannot add your spouse to your plan.
Click here to access the FreedomCare Employee Handbook for caregivers.