Is bereavement leave required to be paid?

In most U.S. states, there is no legal requirement for paid bereavement leave. Whether it's paid depends on your employer's policy, your employment contract, and state laws. Some countries like Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand do require some paid bereavement leave.

Do most employers offer paid bereavement leave?

Yes, according to surveys, approximately 88% of U.S. employers offer some form of paid bereavement leave for immediate family members, even though it's not legally required in most states.

How much do you get paid during bereavement leave?

If your employer offers paid bereavement leave, you typically receive your regular pay rate. For hourly workers, this is usually based on your average hours. Salaried employees receive their normal salary.

Can I use PTO instead of unpaid bereavement leave?

Yes, most employers allow you to use PTO, vacation days, or personal time for additional bereavement time beyond what's offered in the bereavement policy.

Is Bereavement Leave Paid? Complete Guide to Paid vs Unpaid Leave

Paid vs Unpaid Bereavement Leave

The distinction between paid and unpaid bereavement leave is important for financial planning during an already difficult time. Here's what determines whether you'll receive pay:

✅ When It's Usually Paid

• Employer has a paid bereavement policy
• You're in a state/country with paid leave laws
• Union contract guarantees paid leave
• Death of immediate family member
• Full-time employment status

⚠️ When It May Be Unpaid

• No company bereavement policy
• State doesn't mandate paid leave
• Extended family or friends
• Part-time or temporary employees
• Time beyond policy allowance

U.S. Bereavement Leave Payment Statistics

Employer Survey Results

88%

of employers offer paid bereavement leave for immediate family

79%

of employers offer paid leave for extended family

3-5

average days of paid bereavement leave offered

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics and SHRM surveys

States with Paid Bereavement Leave Laws

A few states have enacted laws that may provide some paid bereavement leave:

California

Up to 5 days unpaid bereavement leave (AB 1949). Employees may use accrued PTO for pay.

Oregon

Up to 2 weeks unpaid under OFLA. May use accrued paid leave.

Maryland

Employees can use earned sick leave for bereavement purposes.

International Paid Bereavement Leave

Many countries outside the U.S. have more generous paid bereavement leave requirements:

Country	Paid Leave	Details
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	2 weeks	Statutory parental bereavement pay
🇨🇦 Canada	3 days	Federal mandate (+ 2 unpaid)
🇦🇺 Australia	2 days	Compassionate leave under NES
🇳🇿 New Zealand	3 days	For immediate family

How Pay Is Calculated During Bereavement Leave

If you receive paid bereavement leave, here's how compensation is typically calculated:

Salaried Employees

• Normal daily/weekly salary rate
• No reduction in pay
• Benefits continue as normal

Hourly Employees

• Average hours × hourly rate
• May be based on scheduled hours
• Overtime typically not included

What to Do If Bereavement Leave Is Unpaid

If your employer doesn't offer paid bereavement leave, you have several options:

Use accrued PTO: Apply vacation days or personal time
Request sick leave: Some employers allow this for grief
Take unpaid leave: Request job-protected time off
Work remotely: If possible, ask to work from home
Negotiate: Ask HR if an exception can be made
Check benefits: Some short-term disability may cover grief-related conditions

Is Bereavement Leave Paid?

Quick Answer