Washington Bereavement Leave Law (2026)

Whether Washington requires time off to grieve and handle a death, how many days, and whether that time is paid.

Leave required Verified Jul 6, 2026

Compiled and verified by David Scott · Verified Jul 6, 2026

Washington provides paid bereavement leave through its Paid Family and Medical Leave program. As of July 1, 2026, eligible workers can take up to 7 paid days after a qualifying family member's death, up from 3.

Bereavement leave in Washington

Required?

Yes

How much

Up to 7 paid days

Paid?

Paid (via PFML)

Applies to

PFML-covered

Good to know

Even where the law does not require it, most employers offer some bereavement leave, commonly three to five days for an immediate family member. If your state has no mandate, you may be able to use paid sick leave, PTO, or, if the loss affects your health, the federal FMLA. Ask your employer what their written policy allows. This is general information, not legal advice.

Common questions

Washington bereavement leave FAQ

Does Washington require bereavement leave?

Yes. Washington provides paid bereavement leave through its Paid Family and Medical Leave program. As of July 1, 2026, eligible workers can take up to 7 paid days after a qualifying family member's death, up from 3.

How many days of bereavement leave do you get in Washington?

Up to 7 paid days per the state law. Washington provides paid bereavement leave through its Paid Family and Medical Leave program. As of July 1, 2026, eligible workers can take up to 7 paid days after a qualifying family member's death, up from 3.

Is bereavement leave paid?

In Washington, the leave is: Paid (via PFML).

Does the FMLA cover bereavement?

Not directly. The federal FMLA does not give time off simply to grieve, but it can apply if the loss leads to a serious health condition, such as depression, that needs treatment.

David Scott

David Scott compiles and verifies minimum wage rates, tipped wages, and overtime rules from official state and federal labor department sources, and re-checks every page when rates change. See how the data is sourced.