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How to Ask for Bereavement Leave
When a loved one passes, many things are set into motion quickly – from planning funeral arrangements to publishing an obituary – and all of those actions require time and focus. Unless you're self-employed or the owner of the company, asking for time off work may be necessary, so we are here to help with tips on how to ask for bereavement leave.
Depending on your employer, bereavement leave may also be called "funeral leave" or "compassion leave," and it might be part of a larger overall time-off policy that groups all family-related leave and personal time off together. Whether or not you are paid for bereavement leave is determined by your employer's human resources policies, in most cases.
While there is no federal law mandating that employers offer bereavement leave, some states are beginning to pass laws regarding time off for family members of the deceased. As of early 2023, six states have laws mandating bereavement leave for employers that meet certain thresholds: California, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, and Washington have active laws, and Minnesota's law will go into effect on July 1, 2023. Each state's thresholds are different, so if you live in one of these six, check your local requirements.
If you live in one of the other 44 states, your employer has the authority to determine their bereavement leave policy. In a survey done by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, 60 percent of all workers in the United States are allowed paid leave for bereavement. If you are in that group, asking for leave should be an easy process. Reach out to your human resources department or the person in charge of that decision to alert them to your loss and let them know how much time you will need.
If your employer does not have an official bereavement leave policy, let your manager know your situation and that you will need a leave of absence due to a death in the family. Ask if your leave will be paid or unpaid, and determine how much time you can miss from work.
If you need to submit your request for time off in writing, here is a sample email:
Dear [Manager or Human Resources Contact's Name]
I am writing to request bereavement leave. My [family relation], [your loved one's name], passed away, and I need time off to [describe what you need to do – plan the funeral, attend services, assist with responsibilities, etc.]. I will be away from [beginning date] to [end date].
While I am out, [coworker who can cover for you] has agreed to take care of my responsibilities. If you need to reach me while I am out, please [call, text, etc.].
Thank you for understanding during this difficult time.
[Your name]
As you write your request, you can tailor it to fit your relationship with your employer so that it makes the most sense for your situation.
You may be asked to submit a published obituary or some other proof of your loved one's passing. That request is a normal formality to ensure bereavement leave policies are not abused.
We hope this information makes the process of asking for bereavement leave less stressful for you. Visit our Guides for additional tips on funeral planning, dealing with grief, and more to help you through your time of loss.
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