What states have paid bereavement leave?
Asked by: Graham Hamill | Last update: March 8, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (38 votes)
While most U.S. states don't mandate paid bereavement leave, California, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, and Washington have laws requiring some form of bereavement leave, with provisions for pay varying by state and circumstance, and more states like Maine, New Jersey, and New York also having legislation. Federal law doesn't require paid bereavement leave, so it often depends on employer policy or existing paid leave laws, but these states have specific requirements.
What states require bereavement pay?
While no federal law mandates bereavement pay, several states require employers to provide some form of bereavement leave, including California, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, and Washington, with some also covering miscarriage/reproductive loss; leave policies vary in length (e.g., California's 5 days, Illinois's 10 days) and eligibility, often depending on employer size and family member relationship.
Is there a bereavement leave in the United States?
Although covered employers are required to grant up to five days of bereavement leave, the law does not require that employers pay you for this leave time. However, many employers have paid bereavement leave policies, so be sure to check with your employer about any existing policy that they may have in place.
How many days do you get off work when a family member dies?
When a family member dies, you typically get 3 to 5 days off for immediate family, but the exact amount varies by employer policy, with some offering more for close relatives and less for extended family, often using sick/vacation days or unpaid time for additional time, as there's no federal US law mandating paid leave, though some states have laws. Check your company's handbook for specifics on covered relationships (spouse, parent, child, sibling, etc.) and paid vs. unpaid leave.
Do you need PTO for bereavement?
Yes, bereavement leave often uses Paid Time Off (PTO) or can be extended with it, but it depends on your company's specific policy, as some offer dedicated paid bereavement days for close family, while others might require you to use sick days, vacation, or go unpaid if no specific policy exists. Laws vary, so checking your employee handbook or HR is crucial to know if bereavement counts separately or draws from your general PTO bank, especially for extended time off.
Bereavement Leave Laws: Your FMLA Rights Explained
What are the rules around bereavement leave?
A bereavement leave policy outlines company rules for time off after a death, typically offering 3-5 paid days for immediate family but varying widely by employer, with no federal mandate, though some states (like Oregon, Illinois) require leave (paid/unpaid) for certain family losses. Policies define eligibility (spouse, child, parent, etc.), duration, and payment status (paid/unpaid), helping employees attend funerals, handle arrangements, and process grief, with modern trends including options for non-consecutive leave.
How many days do you get off work when a parent dies?
How long can I have off work after a bereavement? There is no set legal amount of time off work you are entitled to after someone has died. It is common for employers to give about three to five days, but all organisations have different policies and/or exercise their discretion differently.
Are aunts and uncles included in bereavement?
Yes, aunts and uncles are often covered under bereavement leave, but it depends entirely on your specific employer's policy, as there's no universal federal law mandating it; many companies extend leave to extended family like aunts, uncles, grandparents, and in-laws, though it's usually for a shorter duration (like one day) than for immediate family. Always check your employee handbook or HR department for your company's definition of "immediate family" for bereavement.
Who is not considered an immediate family?
People generally not considered immediate family include aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws (unless specific policies include them like parents/siblings-in-law) because immediate family usually refers to the nuclear unit: spouse, children, and parents, sometimes extending to siblings, but often excluding those requiring more than one line on a family tree. Definitions vary by context, like legal or HR policies, but cousins, aunts, and uncles are almost always extended family.
What is typical bereavement pay?
Standard bereavement pay in the U.S. offers 3 to 5 paid days off for immediate family (spouse, parent, child) and often 1 day for other relatives, though it's not federally mandated, with policies varying by employer and state, and often allowing use of PTO for more time. Some states like Illinois and California have laws requiring leave (paid or unpaid depending on the law) for covered family members, while federal law doesn't require paid bereavement leave, leaving it to company benefits.
Does grandma in law count for bereavement?
1. California
Covers: Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, partner, in-law, and miscarriage.
Are aunts and uncles immediate family?
No, aunts and uncles are generally considered extended family, not immediate family, which usually means parents, siblings, spouse, and children; however, definitions vary by context, and emotionally close aunts/uncles or specific policies (like some bereavement leave) might include them as part of the immediate circle. Legally, they are often second-degree relatives, while immediate family are first-degree (parents, siblings, children).
What are the signs of a toxic grandparent?
Favoritism, bullying, undermining parental authority – these are just some of the signs that you're dealing with a toxic grandparent. The toxicity can seep into your children's lives, causing distress and conflicts. Recognizing these toxic patterns is the first step toward a healthier relationship.
How do jobs verify bereavement?
A: Employers have the right to ask for documentation from their employees, and this documentation can include an obituary, death certificate, or written verification from a funeral home.
Who is considered immediate family when someone dies?
First, parents (biological, adoptive, or legal guardians) are commonly listed in bereavement-leave definitions. This may also encompass stepparents or others who played a primary caregiving role. Second, siblings (full, half, or step) are also generally considered immediate family.
How many days are typical for bereavement?
The average bereavement leave is 3 to 5 paid days for immediate family (spouse, child, parent) and 1 to 3 days for extended family, though this varies significantly by employer, with some offering more or allowing use of other PTO. While federal law doesn't mandate it, most companies offer paid time off for grieving, with policies often differentiating based on the closeness of the relationship to the deceased, requiring documentation like an obituary for proof.
What not to do when grieving?
When grieving, you should avoid isolating yourself, numbing emotions with substances, rushing the process, making major life decisions, dwelling on regrets, comparing your grief to others, or saying unhelpful platitudes like "time heals all wounds" to yourself or others. Instead, focus on acknowledging feelings, seeking healthy support, prioritizing self-care (sleep, nutrition, exercise), and understanding that grief is a unique, non-linear journey.
How much is a bereavement payment?
You may not get the lump-sum payment and you may get fewer than 18 monthly payments depending on when you claim and when you reach State Pension age. There are 2 rates of Bereavement Support Payment. Higher rate - this is made up of: • a lump-sum payment of £3,500, and • up to 18 monthly payments of £350.
Should I go to work while grieving?
Time off from work is typically allowed. Managers and colleagues usually accept that the griever may not be at their best when they're at work. That sympathy and support may have limits and it may be withdrawn before the emotions of grief have run their full course, but it is usually openly offered while it lasts.
How much time do people take off when a parent dies?
After a death of a close relative or friend it is customary for the bereaved person to be allowed three days of compassionate leave from work.
How long can you go on bereavement leave?
There is not a minimum or maximum number of bereavement leave days available. The only limit is on how many days of leave you can take at a time. You will be able to take three days of leave for the death of a family member, or one day of leave if someone outside of your family has died.
Can you spread out bereavement days?
Under AB 1949, employees are entitled to up to five days of bereavement leave for each family member's death. Employers can choose whether the leave must be taken consecutively or spread out over time, but they must allow the employee to use all five days within three months (90 days) of the loved one's death.
What is the 7 7 7 rule in parenting?
The 7-7-7 rule of parenting offers two main interpretations: a daily connection strategy and a developmental approach, both aiming to build strong bonds, with the daily version involving 7 minutes in the morning, 7 after school/work, and 7 before bed for focused attention, while the developmental rule suggests phases of playing (0-7), teaching (7-14), and guiding (14-21), emphasizing intentional presence and age-appropriate involvement to raise confident children.
How often should a grandparent see their grandchildren?
There's no single "right" answer for how often grandparents should see grandchildren; it depends on family dynamics, distance, and individual needs, but common patterns range from weekly (for close-by families) to a few times a year (for distant relatives). The ideal frequency is found through open communication between parents and grandparents, considering the kids' ages, schedules, and everyone's comfort levels, with quality time often being more important than quantity.
What are 5 signs of emotional abuse?
Five key signs of emotional abuse are control and isolation, constant criticism and humiliation, manipulation (like gaslighting), extreme jealousy and possessiveness, and threatening behavior, all designed to erode self-worth, create dependency, and make you doubt your own reality. These behaviors aim to make you feel trapped, worthless, and unable to function independently.