Compassionate & bereavement leave is always an uncomfortable topic. When you’re grieving, the last thing you want to be doing is contacting work.
But when tragedy strikes, you shouldn’t have to choose between mourning and getting paid. All employees, even casuals, are entitled to compassionate & bereavement leave. Read on to learn the details.
Are Bereavement Leave and Compassionate Leave the Same Thing?
Compassionate and bereavement leave are two terms, often used interchangeably, that refer to leave taken for personal reasons.
Where they differ is compassionate leave can be for any reason the employer accepts as grounds for emotional leave. This could be because of the death of a pet, a sudden change in living circumstances, or similar reasons. However, bereavement leave is specifically for employees who have lost a close family member or loved one.
How Do I Know if I’m Eligible for Compassionate Leave?
You are eligible for compassionate leave if a member of your immediate family has passed away. This could be a:
- Parent
- Child (including stillborn or miscarried)
- Spouse (including ex or estranged spouse)
- Sibling
- Grandparent
- Grandchild
If your spouse has lost any immediate family members, that is also considered grounds for you to take compassionate or bereavement leave.
For non-immediate family members, such as distant relatives or friends, it is up to the employer whether to grant the leave request or not.
What Pay Rate Will My Compassionate Leave Entitlement Be?
For salary, full-time or part-time employees, their compassionate leave will be paid at their base rate of pay, up to the amount of personal leave they’ve accrued. If they haven’t got any leave, they may be able to negotiate for an unpaid period of time off.
For casuals, compassionate leave is unpaid because they don’t accrue leave.
For any kind of employee, the minimum bereavement leave period is two full days, although employers can extend that period if they come to an agreement with the employee. Remember, from writing a eulogy to choosing funeral songs, planning funerals can be time consuming so don’t be afraid to ask for a leave extension.
Also note that the two days don’t need to be taken in full, or consecutively. So if you have funeral arrangements to be made, you may find it easier to take leave in smaller chunks over multiple days so you can space planning out over the week.
How Can I Find Out My Compassionate Leave Entitlement?
For salary, full-time and part-time employees, their payslips will contain a section with their total leave balance. This is called ‘personal leave’. Essentially, this is the amount of hours that can be taken as part of a compassionate leave entitlement.
When Should I Apply for Compassionate Leave?
Obviously losing a loved one is unpredictable, especially if it’s the result of an accident. Employers understand this, but you should still try to notify them as soon as possible.
Some employers may ask for a death certificate or funeral notice as evidence. While this may be upsetting or feel unnecessary, it’s their legal right to ask so make sure you provide it as soon as you are able.
Will My Employer Be Angry if I Request Compassionate Leave?
If your employer makes you feel at fault for requesting compassionate leave, or denies your request unjustly, contact your HR representative or the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Remember though, employers are people too. Don’t be afraid to tell them. What’s most likely is that you’ll have your request granted, and your employer and colleagues will offer their sympathies and condolences.
Have You Considered a Funeral Director?
As with any decision regarding a funeral or the death of a loved one, choosing the right funeral director can make a big difference to your stress levels throughout the grieving process. They can help with organising things like flowers for funerals, which make the whole experience much smoother.
At Coast Family Funerals, we can direct burial and cremation services and help you with all the necessary preparations.
So if you’re planning a funeral, or know someone who might appreciate some advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.