A bereavement leave request should be brief and free of unnecessary detail. The hardest part is writing it while you are grieving. The templates below give you the right words for every scenario — notifying your manager of a death, requesting time off, and managing the return to work — all without requiring you to share more personal information than you are comfortable with.
Key Takeaways
- UK employees have no statutory right to paid bereavement leave (except for parents of stillborn or deceased children under Jack’s Law). Most employers offer 3–10 days by policy.
- US employees have no federal bereavement leave right. Some states (Oregon, Washington) mandate paid bereavement leave. Most employers offer 3–5 days.
- Australian employees can use personal/carer’s leave for bereavement — 10 days paid per year under the Fair Work Act.
- You do not need to name the deceased or give any medical details — “a bereavement in my family” is sufficient.
- A single-sentence email is acceptable — do not stress about formal structure when you are grieving.
Template 1: Immediate Bereavement Notification (Short)
Use this when you need to notify your manager immediately and will provide details later.
Subject: Bereavement Leave — [Your Name]
Hi [Manager],
I've experienced a bereavement and need to take compassionate leave effective immediately. I'll need [X] days and will update you on my return date as the situation becomes clearer.
[Colleague] can cover [task]. I'll be reachable by phone for anything urgent.
Thanks,
[Your Name]Template 2: Bereavement Leave with Specific Dates
When you know the funeral dates and how long you will need.
Subject: Bereavement Leave — [Your Name] ([Dates])
Hi [Manager],
I need to take bereavement leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] following the death of a family member. I'll return on [Return Date].
I've asked [Colleague] to cover [specific responsibility]. I appreciate your understanding during this time.
Thanks,
[Your Name]Template 3: Formal Bereavement Leave Letter (Company Policy Required)
Some employers require a formal letter rather than an email. Use this for employers with a written bereavement leave policy.
[Your Name]
[Date]
[Manager's Name]
[Company Name]
Subject: Bereavement Leave Request — [Your Name]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am writing to request bereavement leave following the death of my [relationship — e.g., mother / father / partner], who passed away on [Date].
I understand that [Company Name]'s policy provides [X] days of bereavement leave. I would like to take this leave from [Start Date] to [End Date], returning on [Return Date].
I will ensure [Name] has the necessary information to cover my responsibilities during this period.
Thank you for your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]Template 4: Bereavement Leave for an Immediate Family Member
When the relationship needs to be stated for policy verification (e.g., if your employer’s bereavement policy covers specific relationships).
Subject: Bereavement Leave — [Your Name]
Hi [Manager],
I'm writing to let you know that my [relationship — e.g., mother / father / sibling / child] has passed away. I need to take bereavement leave from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Colleague] is covering [specific tasks]. I'll update you if my return date changes.
Thanks,
[Your Name]Template 5: Bereavement Leave for a Non-Family Member
If the deceased was a close friend or life partner not recognised by your employer’s bereavement policy, you may need to use annual leave or personal leave instead. Check your employer’s policy first.
Subject: Personal Leave — [Your Name]
Hi [Manager],
I need to take personal leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] due to the death of someone close to me. I'd like to use [annual leave / personal leave] for this period.
[Colleague] can cover [task]. I'll update you about my return.
Thanks,
[Your Name]Template 6: Bereavement Leave — Returning from Leave
When you return from bereavement leave, a brief email to your manager can help set expectations.
Subject: Return from Bereavement Leave
Hi [Manager],
I'm back in the office today following bereavement leave. I'm catching up on my inbox and will be up to speed by [Date/Time].
Please let me know if there's anything urgent that needs my attention. I appreciate the team's support while I was away.
Thanks,
[Your Name]Template 7: Requesting Additional Bereavement Leave
If the standard bereavement period is not enough, request additional time professionally.
Subject: Additional Bereavement Leave — [Your Name]
Hi [Manager],
I need to request additional bereavement leave beyond the [X] days I've already taken. The funeral is being arranged for [Date] and I need until [Return Date] to manage everything.
If bereavement leave is exhausted, I'd like to use [annual leave / personal leave / unpaid leave] for the additional days. Please let me know what works.
Thanks,
[Your Name]Bereavement Leave by Country
| Country | Statutory Entitlement | Typical Employer Policy | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Time off for dependants — unpaid, reasonable time off. Parental bereavement leave (Jack’s Law) — 2 weeks paid | 3–10 days paid | Death certificate or funeral program (for extended leave only) |
| US | No federal right. Oregon, Washington, Illinois mandate paid bereavement leave | 3–5 days paid | Employer policy may require documentation |
| AU | Personal/carer’s leave — 10 days paid per year. Can be used for bereavement | 2–5 days paid | Medical or death certificate may be requested |
| NZ | Sick leave can be used for bereavement — 5 days paid per year | 3–5 days paid | Documentation may be requested |
When Documentation May Be Requested
| Scenario | Documentation Typically Requested |
|---|---|
| Short leave (1–3 days) | None — verbal notification is sufficient |
| Extended leave (4+ days) | Death certificate or funeral program |
| Multiple bereavements (close together) | Employer may request verification |
| Employer policy requires it | Follow your employer’s written policy |
| Legal requirement (US state law) | Varies by state — check state guidance |
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I tell my manager about a bereavement?
As soon as you can. A brief message — text, email, or call — is sufficient. “I need to take bereavement leave effective immediately” is a complete notification. You can provide details later.
Can I use sick leave for bereavement?
In Australia, personal/carer’s leave can be used for bereavement. In the UK and US, sick leave policies typically do not cover bereavement — use your employer’s compassionate or bereavement leave policy instead.
What if the death is overseas and I need extended leave?
Notify your manager as soon as you know the timeline. International funeral arrangements often take longer than domestic ones. Most employers will accommodate additional unpaid leave where the situation requires it.
Do I need to tell my employer the cause of death?
No. You never need to share the cause of death with your employer. “A bereavement” or “a death in my family” is sufficient.
Can my employer deny bereavement leave?
In the UK, employers can deny unpaid dependant leave if it is not reasonable. In practice, bereavement leave is almost always approved. In the US, it depends on the employer’s policy. In Australia, personal/carer’s leave cannot be refused if the employee has an entitlement and has given notice.
Related Reading
- Compassionate Leave Email: How to Ask Sensitively
- Sick Leave Email to Your Boss: 10 Copy-Paste Examples
- Compassionate and Bereavement Leave UK
- Maternity Leave Application Letter: UK Template
- FMLA Guide for Employers 2026
Handle Bereavement Leave with Care
Leave Balance lets employees report bereavement leave in seconds, automatically notifies managers, and keeps a complete record of every absence — so your team can focus on what matters during difficult times.