Bereavement Leave

Bereavement leave, also called compassionate leave, is a type of time off from work granted to employees who’ve experienced the loss of a family member or loved one.

Who is considered immediate family for bereavement leave?

While some state requirements may vary, generally, bereavement leave considers the following immediate family:

Spouses and domestic partners
Parents, stepparents, and parents-in-law
Siblings and siblings-in-law
Children, including stepchildren, foster children, or a minor for which the employee serves as a legal guardian
Grandparents and great-grandparents

Is bereavement leave paid?

Paid bereavement leave requirements will vary from state to state. In states without a specified requirement, employers may offer paid or unpaid leave or a combination of both. Currently, there are no federal laws about bereavement leave. However, some states have specific laws surrounding bereavement leave.

How long is bereavement leave?

The maximum amount of time an employee can take off for bereavement varies by employer. Employers typically offer a fixed amount of days or a more flexible policy. Some states may specify a minimum requirement. Typically, three to five days is standard.

How to ask for bereavement leave

Employees requesting bereavement leave should review their company’s bereavement leave policy to determine how much time they can take off. Then, they should notify their employers immediately by speaking to their supervisor. After they’ve cleared the request with their supervisor, they should submit a written request.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, legal or tax advice. If you have any legal or tax questions regarding this content or related issues, then you should consult with your professional legal or tax advisor.