Question 1

What is bereavement leave?

Accepted Answer

Bereavement leave (also called funeral leave or compassionate leave) is time off from work granted to employees following the death of a family member or close friend. It allows time for grieving, attending funeral services, and handling related arrangements.

Question 2

How many days of bereavement leave do I get?

Accepted Answer

Bereavement leave typically ranges from 1-5 days depending on your relationship to the deceased and your employer's policy. Immediate family (spouse, parent, child) usually gets 3-5 days, while extended family may get 1-3 days.

Question 3

Is bereavement leave paid or unpaid?

Accepted Answer

Whether bereavement leave is paid depends on your employer and location. Most private employers in the U.S. offer paid bereavement leave as a benefit, but it's not legally required in most states. Some states like California and Oregon have mandatory leave laws.

Question 4

Is bereavement leave required by law?

Accepted Answer

In most U.S. states, bereavement leave is not legally mandated. However, states like California, Oregon, Illinois, and Maryland have enacted bereavement leave laws. In other countries like UK, Canada, and Australia, some form of bereavement leave is often protected by law.

Question 5

Who qualifies as "immediate family" for bereavement leave?

Accepted Answer

Immediate family typically includes spouse/domestic partner, children (including stepchildren and adopted children), parents (including step-parents and in-laws), and siblings. Some policies also include grandparents and grandchildren.

Question 6

Can I use PTO for additional bereavement time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most employers allow employees to use PTO, vacation time, or personal days to extend their bereavement leave. Some employers also offer unpaid leave extensions for difficult circumstances.

Question 7

What documentation is needed for bereavement leave?

Accepted Answer

Employers may request documentation such as a death certificate, obituary, funeral program, or a signed statement from a funeral home. Requirements vary by employer and the amount of leave taken.

Question 8

Does FMLA cover bereavement leave?

Accepted Answer

FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) does not specifically cover bereavement leave. However, if you develop a serious health condition (like depression) related to the death, you may qualify for FMLA leave separately.

Bereavement Leave Calculator

Calculator

How Bereavement Leave Works

Typical Policy Structure

What Bereavement Leave Covers

Bereavement Leave by U.S. State

International Bereavement Leave Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Tools

Related Guides