How to Ask for Bereavement Leave (And What’s Typically Offered in Maryland)

Highlights

• Bereavement policies vary, so it’s important to understand what your employer offers and who qualifies.
• Maryland law may allow eligible employees to use earned paid leave following the death of an immediate family member.
• You don’t need to have every funeral detail finalized before asking for time off.
• If the standard leave period isn’t enough, other types of leave or workplace flexibility may be available.

There’s no universal rule for how to ask for bereavement leave or for how much time off an employer will provide.

Bereavement policies vary widely from one workplace to another. Some companies provide designated paid leave, while others may allow employees to use vacation time, sick leave or other available time off. In Maryland, state law also provides certain protections for eligible employees.

The best place to start is by understanding what applies to your specific situation. Once you know what your employer offers, you’ll have a better idea of what to ask for and what arrangements might be possible if you need more time.

Here are five helpful tips when you need to ask for bereavement leave.

1. Start by finding out what your employer offers.

The employee handbook or HR portal is a good place to look for your company’s bereavement policy. If you can’t find one or the information isn’t clear, ask your supervisor or HR representative.

Find out how long bereavement leave lasts, whether it’s paid, and which relationships qualify. You’ll also want to know whether documentation is required and if other available leave can be added.

Having those answers first gives you a clearer idea of what’s available before you make your request.

2. Learn what Maryland provides.

Maryland gives some employees an additional option through the state’s Flexible Leave Act.

The law applies to companies with 15 or more employees that provide paid leave. It allows eligible workers to use earned paid leave for bereavement following the death of an immediate family member, currently defined as a child, spouse or parent. Paid leave may include available sick leave, vacation time or compensatory time.

That’s an important distinction. Maryland law doesn’t require an employer to provide a separate allotment of paid bereavement leave. Instead, it provides a way for eligible employees to use paid leave they’ve already earned.

Your employer’s policy may provide additional options, so it’s still important to understand what they offer.

3. Keep your request clear and simple.

It isn’t necessary to find the perfect words. Tell your supervisor or HR representative that someone close to you has died and that you need time away from work.

Share when you expect the leave to begin and, if you know it, when you expect to return. If funeral arrangements haven’t been finalized yet, say so. You can provide an update once you know more.

The same basic approach works whether you’re asking in person, by phone, or in writing. If you’re asking for bereavement leave by email, for example, you might say:

“My father passed away and I need to take bereavement leave beginning Wednesday. We’re still finalizing the funeral arrangements, so I’ll let you know as soon as I have a better idea of when I’ll be able to return. Please let me know if you need any additional information.”

No lengthy explanation is necessary. Give your employer the information needed to consider your request and let you know what comes next.

4. Look beyond bereavement leave if you need more time.

Funeral arrangements don’t always fit neatly within an employer’s standard bereavement period.

Services may not take place immediately, or you may need to travel. Other responsibilities may require your attention as well.

If the available bereavement leave isn’t sufficient, find out what other options your employer provides. Depending on the workplace, you may be able to use additional PTO or unpaid leave. Temporary schedule flexibility may also be worth discussing.

What’s enough time for one situation may not be enough for another.

5. Give yourself some grace when you return to work.

Going back to the office doesn’t mean you’ve finished grieving. Concentration may be harder for a while, and emotions can surface unexpectedly.

If the transition is difficult, find out whether your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), grief resources, or other support. You can also talk with your supervisor or HR representative if some temporary flexibility would help.

Grief has its own timetable. Give yourself time to adjust.

Bereavement leave gives you time to make necessary arrangements and honor your loved one. Just as importantly, it gives you space to be with the people who matter to you.

Knowing your options won’t lessen the loss, but it can give you one less thing to worry about during a difficult time.

FAQs

1. Is bereavement leave paid in Maryland?
It depends on your employer and available leave. Maryland’s Flexible Leave Act allows eligible employees of employers with 15 or more employees that provide paid leave to use earned paid leave for bereavement following the death of an immediate family member.

2. How long is bereavement leave typically?
There is no universal length. Employers establish their own policies, so check your workplace policy to see how much time is available and whether other leave may be used.

3. Can an employer ask for documentation for bereavement leave?
An employer’s policy may include requirements for requesting or documenting leave. Check your workplace policy or ask HR what information is needed.

4. What if I don’t know the funeral date when I ask for bereavement leave?
You don’t need to wait until every detail is finalized to talk with your employer. Explain what you know and let your supervisor or HR representative know that you’ll provide updated dates when arrangements are confirmed.

5. Does bereavement leave have to be taken immediately after someone dies?
Policies vary. If services will take place later or you need time away on different dates, ask your employer when available leave can be used.

Bereavement leave gives you important time to grieve and honor your loved one. As you make funeral arrangements and begin navigating the days ahead, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services is here with the compassionate guidance and support you need. Please contact us anytime.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For 30 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com.