Claim 2025 Compassionate Leave in Australia: If you’re an Australian employee facing the death or serious illness of a loved one, understanding your right to claim compassionate leave in 2025 is essential. Compassionate leave—also known as bereavement leave—is a key part of your workplace entitlements under the National Employment Standards (NES). It’s there to give you space to grieve, attend funerals, support your family, or manage affairs after a life-changing event.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about how to claim 2025 compassionate leave in Australia, including eligibility, what events qualify, how much you’ll be paid, and how to apply. Written clearly and accessibly, this resource is designed for both everyday workers and HR professionals.
Claim 2025 Compassionate Leave in Australia
| Aspect | Details (2025) |
|---|---|
| Who is Eligible? | All employees (full-time, part-time, and casual) |
| Leave Entitlement | 2 days per qualifying event |
| Payment Status | Paid for full-time and part-time workers; unpaid for casuals |
| Covered Events | Death, life-threatening illness/injury, miscarriage, or stillbirth involving immediate family or household member |
| Notice Requirement | Must inform employer ASAP (before or after leave starts) |
| Evidence Requirement | Reasonable evidence (e.g., death notice, hospital certificate) may be required |
| Official Resource | Fair Work Ombudsman |
The 2025 compassionate leave rules in Australia reinforce the importance of supporting employees during emotionally challenging times. If a loved one passes away or suffers a serious illness, you have the legal right to take time off—and in many cases, receive full pay while doing so.
Make sure you understand your entitlements, follow proper procedures, and don’t hesitate to speak with HR or the Fair Work Ombudsman if you encounter issues.
What Is Compassionate Leave?
Compassionate leave allows employees to take time off work due to a bereavement, life-threatening illness, or injury of a loved one. It also covers miscarriages and stillbirths, ensuring emotional and logistical support during deeply personal times.
This type of leave is separate from annual or personal leave, and doesn’t reduce other entitlements. It’s designed to provide workers the flexibility and empathy they need to deal with serious family issues without worrying about job security or losing income.
Why Compassionate Leave Matters in 2025
As workplaces evolve to become more people-focused, understanding and respecting emotional wellness is more important than ever. In 2025, employers across Australia are expected to follow best practices that emphasize mental health support, flexible working arrangements, and human-centered leave policies.
Compassionate leave is not only a legal right, but also a key part of an employee’s well-being and productivity. It lets workers deal with tragedy or crisis, knowing they can return to work without penalty. For HR departments, facilitating this leave is part of building a compassionate and legally compliant workplace.
Who Can Take Compassionate Leave?
Employment Types Covered
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, all employees are entitled to compassionate leave:
- Full-time employees: paid leave
- Part-time employees: paid leave
- Casual employees: unpaid leave
Immediate Family or Household Members
Compassionate leave applies when the affected individual is a:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Child or step-child
- Parent or step-parent
- Grandparent or grandchild
- Sibling or step-sibling
- In-law (if they are part of your household or immediate family)
This includes biological, adoptive, foster, and same-sex family relationships. Employers may also approve leave for close non-family members depending on your personal circumstances and workplace policies.
What Events Are Covered?
Employees can claim compassionate leave in these situations:
1. Death of an Immediate Family Member
To attend a funeral or grieve the loss.
2. Life-Threatening Illness or Injury
To be with a loved one who is critically ill or injured.
3. Stillbirth
To deal with the trauma and logistics of a stillbirth in your family.
4. Miscarriage
Leave applies if the miscarriage was experienced by you or your spouse/partner.
Employers are expected to be empathetic and supportive in each case. However, you must still follow formal notice and documentation rules.
How Much Compassionate Leave Can You Take?
Employees are entitled to 2 days of compassionate leave per occasion. You can take it:
- As 2 consecutive days
- As two separate days
- Or in a different arrangement as agreed with your employer
This leave does not accumulate from year to year. However, there is no limit to how many times you can take it, provided you meet the qualifying criteria for each instance.
Example:
If you lose two grandparents in separate incidents, you are entitled to 2 days for each event.
Is Compassionate Leave Paid in Australia?
Full-Time and Part-Time Employees
You will be paid at your base rate of pay for ordinary hours. This does not include:
- Overtime
- Loadings
- Allowances
- Bonuses
Casual Employees
You are entitled to the same 2 days off per event, but the leave is unpaid.
Claim Compassionate Leave: Claim 2025 Compassionate Leave in Australia Guide
- Notify Your Employer: Tell your employer as soon as possible, even if that’s after the leave has started. This can be via phone, email, or in person.
- Explain the Situation: Provide details of:
- The reason for your leave
- The family member affected
- The dates you need off
- Provide Evidence if Requested: Employers can request reasonable evidence such as:
- A death or funeral notice
- A hospital admission certificate
- A doctor’s letter
- A statutory declaration
- The type of evidence accepted varies depending on your employer’s policy, so check your workplace agreement or enterprise contract.
Combining Compassionate Leave With Other Entitlements
If you’re on annual leave, unpaid leave, or even parental leave, and a qualifying event occurs, you may request to switch to compassionate leave for that period. This helps preserve other leave balances.
Employers must approve the conversion, but cannot reasonably refuse if all evidence is provided.
What to Do If Your Compassionate Leave Is Denied
If your employer unfairly denies compassionate leave:
- Speak to your HR representative
- Refer to your award or enterprise agreement
- Lodge a complaint via the Fair Work Ombudsman
- Your employer cannot legally dismiss or discipline you for taking compassionate leave if it meets the criteria.
Tips for Navigating Compassionate Leave in the Workplace
- Communicate promptly and clearly with your employer.
- Keep records of all communications and documentation.
- Be flexible with how the leave is structured, if your workplace offers alternatives.
- Ask HR for any additional support programs like counselling or mental health services.
Workplaces are increasingly recognising the role of emotional health in productivity. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
FAQs On Claim 2025 Compassionate Leave in Australia
Can I take more than 2 days?
You can take additional leave (e.g., annual leave or unpaid leave) if approved by your employer.
Can I take compassionate leave for a friend?
Not under the NES, unless the friend is part of your household or considered immediate family. You may still request discretionary leave.
Do I have to take compassionate leave immediately?
No, but you must take it within a reasonable time related to the qualifying event (e.g., within days or weeks of the funeral).
Is the leave available during a probation period?
Yes. All employees, including those in probation, are entitled to compassionate leave.
What if I’m overseas when the event happens?
You can still claim compassionate leave, but notify your employer as soon as practical and submit digital evidence if needed.
