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HSE Bereavement & Compassionate Leave 2026 (Paid Days)

Last verified 21 Aug 2026· Published 27 Apr 2026

Summary: HSE employees are entitled to paid bereavement (compassionate) leave when a family member dies. Under HSE HR Circular 29/2019, this is up to 20 days if your spouse (including a cohabiting partner) or child dies, up to 5 days for a parent, sibling or parent-in-law, and up to 3 days' special leave for a more distant relative in certain circumstances.

Losing someone close is one of the most difficult experiences anyone goes through. This guide explains exactly what bereavement leave (also called 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 time off work granted following the death of a family member, to allow you time to grieve and attend to funeral arrangements.

HSE bereavement leave entitlements 2026

Relationship to the deceasedPaid bereavement leave
Spouse (including a cohabiting partner)Up to 20 days
ChildUp to 20 days
Father or motherUp to 5 days
Brother or sisterUp to 5 days
Father-in-law or mother-in-lawUp to 5 days
A more distant relative (conditions apply)Up to 3 days' special leave

More distant relatives: in some circumstances you may be given up to 3 days' special leave on the death of a more distant relative - where you live in the same house as the deceased, or you must take charge of the funeral arrangements.

Deaths abroad: you may also get extra days where an immediate relative dies abroad and you must travel to take charge of the funeral arrangements.

When it applies: bereavement leave is granted at the time of the bereavement to give you time off work. It is not granted retrospectively - for example, for days or shifts when you were not normally rostered to work.

Does the HSE pay bereavement leave?

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

What about a friend or colleague?

There is no set bereavement-leave entitlement for the death of a friend or colleague. In those cases you can ask for compassionate leave at your manager's discretion (for example, to attend the funeral) and/or use annual leave to cover the time needed. These are handled individually and are not an automatic entitlement.

How to apply for bereavement leave

Notice for bereavement leave cannot be given in advance - you simply inform your line manager when the bereavement occurs.

  1. Tell your line manager as soon as possible, by phone or in person in the immediate aftermath.
  2. Apply on HR and Payroll Self Service when you are able to; your local HR can help if you need it.
  3. You are not routinely required to provide a death certificate, though HR may request documentation in some circumstances.

Line managers are sensitive to the needs of bereaved employees, and support is available if needed from the HSE Occupational Health Service. The full rules are set out in HSE HR Circular 29/2019.

HSE National HR Employee Helpdesk - phone 1800 444 925, email ask.hr@hse.ie (Monday to Friday, 9am to 12 noon).

Bereavement leave and sick leave

If you become so unwell following a bereavement that you cannot return 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 during annual leave

If a family member dies while you are on annual leave, those days can be converted to bereavement leave rather than annual leave. Notify your manager as promptly as possible and follow up with the paperwork on your return.

Bereavement leave for part-time staff

Part-time staff are entitled to bereavement leave on the same basis as full-time staff, applied to the days they would normally work.

Support: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

The HSE runs a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering free counselling and support for staff dealing with grief and bereavement, available to all HSE employees and their immediate family. Contact details for your area's EAP are on the HSE staff intranet or from your local HR.

Frequently asked questions

How many days' bereavement leave do I get if my spouse or child dies? Up to 20 days' paid leave (a spouse includes a cohabiting partner).

How many days for a parent, sibling or parent-in-law? Up to 5 days' paid leave for a father, mother, brother, sister, father-in-law or mother-in-law.

Am I entitled to leave for a grandparent, or an uncle or aunt? These count as more distant relatives. You may be given up to 3 days' special leave where you lived in the same house as the deceased, or you must take charge of the funeral arrangements - otherwise you can use annual leave.

Does bereavement leave count as sick leave? No. It 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.

Can my bereavement leave be refused? Bereavement leave is an entitlement; the timing is fixed by the circumstances of the bereavement.

Verified against the official HSE bereavement leave guidance and HSE HR Circular 29/2019. Entitlements may vary by contract and circumstances - contact your local HR Business Partner or the National HR Employee Helpdesk for guidance on your situation.

The form you need: apply on HR and Payroll Self Service - see the official HSE HR forms page and our guide to every HSE HR form.

Related HSE leave guides

Frequently asked questions

How many days of bereavement leave are HSE employees entitled to for the death of a grandparent?
HSE employees are entitled to 3 days of paid bereavement leave for the death of a grandparent.
How many days of bereavement leave are HSE employees entitled to for the death of a sibling?
HSE employees are entitled to 5 days of paid bereavement leave for the death of a sibling.
Is bereavement leave paid for HSE employees?
Yes, bereavement leave is fully paid at your normal rate of pay. It does not count against your annual leave entitlement or sick leave.

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