Compassionate Leave: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how compassionate leave works in Australia, including how much paid time off you can claim during a family emergency or loss.
Compassionate leave, which is also commonly referred to as bereavement leave, provides paid time off to support yourself during a family member's death or a period of serious illness.
Who it's for
All employees are eligible for this leave. Whether you are working full-time or part-time, you are entitled to use this time to attend to family matters during difficult times.
What you get
When a family member passes away or becomes seriously ill, you are entitled to 2 days of paid leave for each occasion. This leave is designed to give you the necessary time to manage personal responsibilities and grieve without the immediate pressure of work.
What it costs you
This leave is a statutory requirement, which means it is a legal right under employment frameworks. Because it is a legal entitlement, you must be paid for this time at your base rate of pay. You should not see a reduction in your standard base wages for the days taken under this scheme.
The catch to know
While most employees are covered, there is a specific exception to keep in mind: this leave does not apply to casual employees in some specific award contexts. You should verify the specific terms of your employment agreement to ensure you fall under the protected category.
How to apply
- Review your specific employment award or contract to confirm your eligibility and how it applies to your specific role.
- Notify your employer as soon as possible when the need for leave arises.
- Follow the standard reporting procedures established by your workplace to log your absence officially.