Bereavement leave is perhaps the only official leave from work we all dread having. Nevertheless, there is some comfort in knowing you won’t have to worry about your employment and can focus on your loved one. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently announced new guidelines on bereavement leave for federal employees.
Here, we discuss everything you must know about bereavement leave for federal employees and what the new reforms would mean for you.
What is Bereavement Leave?
Bereavement leave for federal employees refers to paid leave for the employee at the time of death or funeral of a loved one from their immediate family. The temporary leave allows employees to recuperate after their loss and deal with grief without worrying about their official duties.
The OPM defines a loved one as:
- A parent/guardian/parent-in-law
- A grandparent
- A spouse/partner
- A sibling
- A child
The New Benefits of Bereavement Leave for Federal Employees
The new guidelines for bereavement leave for federal employees by OPM were adopted by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022. The new act gives two weeks of paid leave for bereavement.
However, the two weeks are only in connection with the death of a child. Moreover, the two workweeks must be used within a single 12-month period. The 12-month period starts on the date of the death of the child. Once the 12 months are completed, they will renew and can be used again in the misfortune of another child’s passing.
Moreover, the two weeks are not entitled as whole days but as working hours. Federal employees are entitled to 104 hours of bereavement leave, which could differ based on their tasks and regular working hours to find how many days they get.
The 13-day bereavement leave includes family care, funeral arrangements and attendance, and bereavement. If taking care of a chronically ill family member takes more than 13 days, you can apply for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
Eligibility
The new leave will be available to all Title-5 federal employees serving for more than a year. Moreover, employees become eligible if a child (as ascertained by the OPM for who constitutes a child) is terminally ill or dies.
The OPM has a strict definition of qualifying children regarding bereavement leaves for federal employees. Qualifying children include biological, adopted, step, or foster child that is under 18 years. If the child is over 18 years, they must fall under the definition of physically or mentally disabled people who are unable to take care of themselves.
The 12-month bereavement leave period is maintained even if a federal employee moves to another job in the federal government. However, it is forfeited the moment they leave federal service.
Have Questions About Federal Employee Benefits?
Bereavement leave for federal employees isn’t the only benefit you can get. There are many federal employee benefits that you or your co-workers might not know about. You might be planning to work in the federal government but do not know what it is like. However, a Federal Retirement Consultant can help you learn about FERS and CSRS benefits.
Touch base with an FRC® trained advisor who understands federal benefits and can help you develop strategies for a solo retirement.
