Do I get paid bereavement leave?
Last updated: November 4, 2026
Applies to: US W-2 employees. Independent contractors are not employees and do not receive leave from Ascen.
Summary: Ascen does not have a company-wide paid bereavement policy; time off after a death in the family follows the law of the state you work in. In most states bereavement time is unpaid, but you can use any earned paid time off or sick leave you have, because many state and city sick leave laws cover it. Some states, such as California and Illinois, give you a protected right to unpaid bereavement leave. Tell your staffing partner and your supervisor at the client site that you need the time, and email support@ascen.com if you want to use paid sick leave or have questions.
How to take the time off
Tell your staffing partner and your supervisor at the client site that you need time off and roughly how long, the same way you would ask for any time off.
Email support@ascen.com if you want to use paid sick leave for the time, or if you work in a state with a bereavement leave law and want to use it.
Ascen does not usually ask for proof of the death. Where a state law allows it and we need it, we will tell you.
Is it paid?
Paid sick leave: if your state or city gives you paid sick leave, you can usually use it for bereavement (for example Colorado's sick leave law covers grieving and attending a funeral). Your balance is on your pay stub or in the Ascen portal.
No sick leave available: the time off is unpaid, unless your staffing partner or the client chooses to pay it.
States with bereavement leave laws
State | What you can take |
|---|---|
California | Up to 5 days of unpaid leave for the death of a spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, parent-in-law, sibling, grandparent or grandchild, if you have worked for Ascen for at least 30 days. The days do not have to be in a row but must be used within 3 months of the death. You can use available sick leave or PTO to be paid. |
Illinois | Up to 2 weeks (10 workdays) of unpaid leave for the death of a family member, and some other losses, under the Illinois Family Bereavement Leave Act. You can use available paid leave. Longer unpaid leave applies after the loss of a child to suicide or homicide. |
Other states | No state bereavement leave law in most states; the time is unpaid unless you use paid sick leave. Email us to check your state. |
Where to get help
Ascen (support@ascen.com): whether your state gives you bereavement leave, and using paid sick leave.
Your staffing partner and your supervisor: your schedule and when you will be back.
We are sorry for your loss.