Bereavement Leave
Paid or unpaid time off work granted to employees following the death of a family member or close person. The amount of time and whether it is paid varies by employer policy and state law.
Federal law does not mandate paid bereavement leave; several states have enacted their own requirements. Typical employer policies provide 3-5 days for immediate family members.
Some states (e.g., Oregon, Illinois, California, Maryland) have enacted bereavement leave protections.
→ Bereavement leave is separate from FMLA, which covers serious illness-related absences.
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Frequently asked questions about Bereavement Leave
What is bereavement leave?+
Bereavement leave is time off from work when someone close to you passes away. It can be paid or unpaid. What you get depends on your job's rules and state laws. This helps you grieve and take care of things during a hard time.
Who can get bereavement leave?+
Most employees can get bereavement leave. It's usually for immediate family members like a parent, child, or spouse. Some workplaces also allow it for close friends or other relatives. Check your employer's rules to know for sure.
How do I ask for bereavement leave?+
To ask for bereavement leave, you should tell your boss or human resources department as soon as you can. They will tell you what information they need. This might include when the death happened and your relationship to the person. They will then let you know if your leave is approved.
How long is bereavement leave?+
The length of bereavement leave can be different for everyone. It often ranges from a few days to a week. Some companies offer paid time, while others offer unpaid time. Your specific work policy and local laws will decide how much time you can get.