What Is Bereavement Leave?
A complete guide to understanding bereavement leave, your rights, typical policies, and how to navigate time off when mourning the loss of a loved one.
Definition of Bereavement Leave
Bereavement leave (also known as funeral leave, compassionate leave, or mourning leave) is time off from work granted to employees following the death of a family member or loved one. This leave allows employees to:
- Grieve and process their loss
- Attend funeral or memorial services
- Travel to funeral locations
- Make funeral arrangements
- Handle estate and legal matters
- Support other family members
How Long Is Bereavement Leave?
The length of bereavement leave typically depends on your relationship to the deceased and your employer's policy:
Typical Bereavement Leave Duration
Is Bereavement Leave Paid or Unpaid?
Whether bereavement leave is paid depends on several factors:
- Employer policy: Many employers offer paid bereavement leave as a benefit
- Location: Some states and countries mandate paid bereavement leave
- Employment contract: Your contract or collective bargaining agreement may specify terms
- Company size: Larger companies often provide more generous benefits
In the United States, there is no federal law requiring paid (or unpaid) bereavement leave. However, states like California, Oregon, and Illinois have enacted bereavement leave laws.
💡 Tip: Check your employee handbook or ask HR about your company's bereavement policy. Many companies offer paid leave even if not legally required.
Who Qualifies as "Immediate Family"?
Most bereavement policies define "immediate family" to include:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Children (biological, adopted, step, foster)
- Parents (biological, adoptive, step, in-laws)
- Siblings (biological, step, half)
Extended family typically includes grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Some policies also cover close friends or household members.
Bereavement Leave Legal Requirements
Legal requirements for bereavement leave vary significantly by location:
United States
- Federal: No federal law requires bereavement leave
- California: Up to 5 days unpaid (AB 1949, effective 2023)
- Oregon: Up to 2 weeks under OFLA
- Illinois: Up to 2 weeks for child loss
- Maryland: Sick leave can be used for bereavement
International
- UK: 2 weeks statutory parental bereavement leave
- Canada: 5 days (3 paid) federally
- Australia: 2 days paid compassionate leave
- New Zealand: 3 days paid for immediate family
How to Request Bereavement Leave
- Notify your employer immediately: Contact your supervisor or HR as soon as possible
- Provide basic information: Share your relationship to the deceased and expected time away
- Check documentation requirements: Ask what proof, if any, is needed
- Discuss additional time: If needed, ask about using PTO or unpaid leave
- Plan for work coverage: Help arrange coverage for your responsibilities if possible
Calculate Your Bereavement Leave
Use our free calculator to estimate your bereavement leave entitlement based on your relationship, location, and employer policy.