Bereavement Leave Laws: Your FMLA Rights Explained

What are your legal rights when you need time off work after losing a loved one? This comprehensive breakdown covers federal FMLA protections, state-by-state bereavement laws, and how to protect your job during grief. What You'll Learn: FMLA eligibility requirements (4 key criteria you must meet) How grief-related health conditions qualify for job-protected leave State-by-state bereavement leave laws (which states require paid leave) What qualifies as "immediate family" under different policies How to apply for FMLA leave step-by-step Legal protections against retaliation and discrimination What to say to your employer when requesting leave Documentation requirements for extended leave Your rights if your employer responds poorly FMLA Eligibility Checklist: ✓ Employer has 50+ employees within 75 miles ✓ You've worked 12+ months for employer ✓ You've worked 1,250+ hours in past 12 months ✓ 50+ employees work at your location or within 75 miles States with Mandatory Bereavement Leave: