SMC_Logo_WEB
SMC_Logo_WEB

Employee & Labor Relations

A Resource for County of San Mateo Employees, Supervisors, and Managers

Bereavement Leave-Unpaid

What is it?

Bereavement leave-unpaid is unpaid leave that an employee may take upon the death of a family member.

Who is Eligible?

Any employee who has been employed by the County for at least 30 days is eligible for unpaid bereavement leave upon the death of a family member. The leave must be taken within 3 months of the family member’s death.

Family member includes:

• Parent
• Child
• Spouse
• Registered Domestic Partner
• Grandparent
• Grandchild
• Sibling
• Parent-in-law

How Long is the Leave?

Five days. The days do not have to be consecutive.

Is it paid?

This policy provides for unpaid Bereavement leave.

However, an employee might be entitled to a specified amount of paid bereavement leave pursuant to an applicable memorandum of understanding between the County and one of its employee labor organizations or pursuant to a resolution by the Board of Supervisors that is applicable to the employee’s position. In such cases, paid Bereavement leave must run concurrently with the unpaid Bereavement leave provided for in this policy.

In addition, employees using unpaid bereavement leave are entitled to use accrued paid leave such as vacation, compensatory time, accrued holiday hours or paid sick leave.

How Do I request the Leave?

Procedures for Requesting and Approving unpaid Bereavement Leave.

• When the requirement for Bereavement leave is known to the employee in advance of the absence, the employee shall request authorization for Bereavement leave at such time. In all other instances the employee shall notify their supervisor as promptly as possible. Employees shall provide notice in the manner set forth by their supervisor, manager or division/department policy or practice.
• The department may require that the employee, within 30 days of the first day of the leave, provide documentation of the death of the family member. “Documentation” includes, but is not limited to, a death certificate, a published obituary, or written verification of death, burial, or memorial services from a mortuary, funeral home, burial society, crematorium, religious institution, or governmental agency. In addition, the department may make whatever investigation into the circumstances that appears warranted.