Compassionate leave or bereavement leave is one of the important entitlements in Australia that an employee can take off from work due to grief or when assisting a loved one with a difficult time. It is important for an employee, as well as an employer, to know their rights regarding compassionate leave while working in the year 2025.
It tells about the intricate aspects of compassionate leave, including payment rates, eligibility, and methods of application. We pronounced frequently asked questions to help you understand this workplace entitlement.
Overview of Compassionate Leave in Australia
It is granted to an employee when a member of his immediate family or household is that seriously ill or injured or dies and so allows him time to get away to cope with loss, attend a funeral, or give care.
Key Aspects of Compassionate Leave
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Entitlement | Full-time & part-time employees: 2 days paid leave per occasion. Casual employees: 2 days unpaid leave per occasion. |
| Eligibility | Available when an immediate family member or household member passes away or faces a life-threatening illness or injury. |
| Payment | Paid at the employee’s base rate for the hours they would have worked during the leave period. |
| Application Process | Employees must notify their employer as soon as possible. Employers may request evidence supporting the need for leave. |
| Official Source | Fair Work Ombudsman – Compassionate & Bereavement Leave |
What Is Compassionate Leave Eligibility?
Australian employees-probably full-time, probably part-time, or casual-are eligible for compassionate leave. Below are entitlements for each category of employee:
- Full-Time and Part-Time Employees: 2 days of paid leave for every occurrence.
- Casual Employees: 2 days of unpaid leave for every occurrence.
The invocation of this compassionate leave is in cases of passing away, contracting, or having a life-threatening illness/injury of an employee’s immediate relative or household member, or when there is a miscarriage of stillbirth. Employers could ask for evidence, such as a death notice or medical certificate, to support an application for leave.
Considered for Immediate Family or Household?
The immediate family consists of the following persons:
- A spouse or de facto partner (including same-sex partners).
- A child, stepchild, or grandchild.
- A parent, stepparent, or grandparent.
- A brother or sister, or a stepsibling.
- A household member refers to a person who lives in the same household as the employee, regardless of the actual relationship.
How Compassionate Leave Payments Are Calculated:
Payments for compassionate leave for full-time and part-time staff are calculated at their base rate of pay for the hours they would have worked during the leave. This does not include any extra allowances, loadings, or penalties.
| Calculation | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Rate of Pay | Payment is made based on the employee’s base rate, excluding additional allowances, loadings, or penalties. |
| Number of Hours Scheduled to Work | Payment is calculated based on the number of hours the employee would have worked during the leave period. |
Conversely, casual employees have no entitlement to paid compassionate leave.
The Compassionate Leave Application Process: Simple but Must Begin Quickly and Be Documented Properly
- Notify Your Employer: You should notify your employer as soon as possible of the need for compassionate leave. Dependent on the situation, it is a good idea to provide any information on the reason for leave and how long you are expecting to be away from work.
- Provide Supporting Evidence: If required, be ready to provide documentation such as a death notice or a medical certificate.
Specific procedures may differ from workplace to workplace, so get familiar with yours.
Could The Compassionate Leave Be Taken In Intermittent Periods?
Yes, compassionate leave may be taken as
a continuous period; for example, 2 consecutive days,
an intermittent period; for example, one day at a time, subject to management’s discretion and needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
These common mistakes may hinder the smooth processing of your application for compassionate leave:
- Failure To Notify Within Reasonable Time: Always notify your employer about the need for leave as soon as possible.
- Inadequate Evidence: Make sure you give sufficient evidence for your request; for example, death notice or medical certificate.
Not Understanding The List Of Entitlements: Know the difference between paid and unpaid leave entitlements for full-time Part-time, and casual employees.
It is important for employees and employers to have an understanding of compassionate leave and the benefits associated with it. This type of leave would be essential support during times of personal difficulty. This may include the death or serious illness of a close family member.
Knowing about your rights to paid or unpaid leave, the application procedure, and how to avoid common mistakes means you would be ready when the time comes when you need this very important workplace benefit. Always check with the Fair Work Ombudsman website for up-to-date information.
FAQS:
How many days does my compassionate leave actually make provision for?
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to 2 days of paid compassionate leave per occurrence. Casual employees are entitled to 2 days of unpaid leave.
Am I able to take intermittent compassion leave?
Yes, compassion leave can be taken either as one time leave or as per certain days, depending on agreement with your employer.
What document will I need to substantiate the reason?
Employers might require a certificate of death, funeral notice, or medical certificate to support an application for compassionate leave.
Can I take more than the 2 days’ limit for my compassionate leave?
2 days’ leave for every incident is the common maximum, but the allowances may vary according to the company policy.