Summary: HSE employees are entitled to paid bereavement (compassionate) leave following the death of a close family member. Entitlement is typically 3 to 5 days depending on the relationship, with additional discretionary days available in certain circumstances.

Losing someone close is one of the most difficult experiences anyone goes through. This guide explains exactly what bereavement leave and compassionate leave you are entitled to as an HSE employee, who qualifies, and how to apply.

What Is Bereavement Leave / Compassionate Leave?

Bereavement leave and compassionate leave are the same thing in the HSE context — the terms are used interchangeably. It is paid leave granted to an employee following the death of a family member or close relative, to allow them time to grieve and attend to funeral arrangements.

HSE Bereavement Leave Entitlements 2026

Relationship to Deceased	Leave Entitlement
Spouse / Civil Partner	5 days
Child (including stepchild)	5 days
Parent / Stepparent	5 days
Sibling (brother or sister)	5 days
Grandparent	3 days
Grandchild	3 days
Parent-in-law	3 days
Sibling-in-law	3 days
Son-in-law / Daughter-in-law	3 days
Uncle / Aunt	3 days
Nephew / Niece	3 days

Note: In cases where an employee has to travel a significant distance to attend a funeral (particularly where the deceased is abroad), additional travel time may be granted at the discretion of the line manager.

Does HSE Pay Bereavement Leave?

Yes. Bereavement leave is fully paid at your normal rate of pay. It does not count against your annual leave entitlement or sick leave.

What About Colleagues, Friends, or Extended Family?

For the death of someone outside the standard list above — such as a close friend, colleague, or more distant relative — you may request:

Compassionate leave at the manager’s discretion (typically 1 day to attend a funeral)
Annual leave to cover additional time needed

These cases are handled on an individual basis and are not an automatic entitlement.

How to Apply for Bereavement Leave

Notify your line manager as soon as possible — this can be done by phone or in person in the immediate aftermath
Complete the relevant HSE leave form upon your return (available from your HR department or through HRPOL)
You are not required to submit a death certificate as a matter of routine, but HR may request documentation in some circumstances

There is no requirement to give advance notice for bereavement leave — you simply inform your manager when the bereavement occurs.

Bereavement Leave and Sick Leave

If you become so unwell following a bereavement that you are unable to work beyond your entitlement, you may apply for sick leave with a medical certificate from your GP. Grief-related illness is treated the same as any other illness under the HSE sick leave scheme.

Bereavement Leave During Annual Leave

If a close family member dies while you are on annual leave, you are entitled to have those days converted to bereavement leave rather than annual leave. You must notify your manager as promptly as possible and follow up with the appropriate paperwork on your return.

Bereavement Leave for Part-Time HSE Staff

Part-time staff are entitled to bereavement leave on the same basis as full-time staff. The days granted apply to the days that would normally be worked — a part-time employee who works Monday–Wednesday and has a bereavement on a Monday would still receive their full entitlement on working days.

Travel to Funerals Abroad

Where an employee needs to travel abroad to attend the funeral of a family member, the HSE generally recognises that additional time may be needed. In such cases:

Speak to your line manager and HR as early as possible
Additional annual leave or unpaid leave may be approved to cover travel time
Each case is handled on an individual basis

Bereavement and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

The HSE offers a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which provides free counselling and support services for staff dealing with grief and bereavement. This service is available 24/7.

EAP Freephone: 1800 814 714
Available to all HSE employees and their immediate family members

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days bereavement leave am I entitled to for a grandparent? 3 days paid bereavement leave for the death of a grandparent.

Am I entitled to bereavement leave for an uncle or aunt? Yes — 3 days paid bereavement leave for an uncle or aunt.

Does bereavement leave count as sick leave? No. Bereavement leave is a separate entitlement and does not affect your sick leave record.

What if I need more time than my entitlement allows? You can request annual leave or unpaid leave to cover additional time. Speak to your line manager or HR.

Do I need to provide a death certificate? You are not routinely required to provide a death certificate, but your employer may request evidence of the bereavement. Check with your local HR.

Can my bereavement leave be refused? No. Bereavement leave is an entitlement and cannot be refused. The timing is fixed by the circumstances of the bereavement.

What about miscarriage or pregnancy loss? Under the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024, employees who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks are entitled to 3 days’ paid leave. This is separate from bereavement leave.

This guide reflects HSE HR policy and applicable Irish employment legislation as of 2026. Specific entitlements may vary by contract and location. Contact your local HR Business Partner for guidance on your individual situation.

HSE Bereavement Leave & Compassionate Leave: Full Guide 2026