Funeral Leave Application: Format and Samples

A funeral leave application is written in unprecedented and tragic times. A bereaved person is usually not in a condition to pen down an application. However, as per corporate and office norms, one needs to write an application asking for funeral leave. As this application is written during testing times, one must write a concise letter. The grieving employee must ensure that they ask one of their teammates to look after their work during their leave of absence. Be gracious to appreciate your reporting manager for granting this unplanned leave application. 

How to Apply for Funeral Leave?

A grieving employee must write a formal funeral leave application to her/his/their employer or reporting manager to ask for bereavement leave for the loss of a loved one. This application must include your current situation and the duration for which you require a leave of absence. Here are a few steps that you must follow to apply for this leave:

• Inform your colleagues and reporting authorities at the earliest possible time.
• After verbally informing your co-workers and boss, draft a funeral leave application. 
• Make sure to specify the dates for which you will be away from work. Even though one cannot specify the exact duration of grief, the bereaved person must add a probable date on which he/she/they might resume work.
• Always proofread your application before sending it to your superior. 

What to Include in a Funeral Leave Application?

The grieving employee must ensure that they include the following details in her/his/their bereavement leave application:

• Name of the deceased soul, date of death, and your relationship with the departed loved one
• Duration of leave
• The probable date on which you wish to return back to work
• Request for additional time off for grieving. Ask for this time off as paid leave.
• Name of the co-worker who would take over your work responsibilities in your absence
• Words of appreciation for your superiors for understanding the current situation and granting unplanned leave.

Also Read: Leave Application for Office

Tips to Write a Funeral Leave Application

A funeral or bereavement leave application is written like any other official leave letter. Mentioned below are some tips for drafting an appropriate application:

•  Use formal language.
• Express your situation in the subject line itself.
• Address all your superiors because this is an unplanned leave and there is no exact duration of the leave.
• Even though the circumstances are unprecedented, do provide a potential date of return to work.
• Suggest the name of the co-worker who will be your proxy in your absence.
• Give your contact information.

Format

A funeral leave application can be short and concise because the applicant is dealing with grief. An applicant can write an appropriate application by including the following:

• Address your immediate boss and manager.
• Mention the date of application writing
• Subject
• Salutation
• Summary of your current situation
• Mention the dates for which you will be unavailable
• Request for funeral leave
• Mention the name of your colleague who will take care of your task in your absence
• Mention your gratitude in a single line
• Give your regards
• Give contact details
• Your name and designation

Read: Application for Sick Leave

Samples

Here are samples for asking for funeral leaves for the loss of a family member and a friend. 

Sample 1 (Funeral of a Family Member)

To,

(Name of the Reporting Manager)

(Date on which you are writing the application in DD/MM/YYYY format)

Subject: Leave for attending the funeral of (the relationship with the family member, for eg; father/mother/brother/sister/spouse/child)

Dear Ma’am/Sir,

With a heavy heart, I would like to inform you that my (Name of the family member), my (Relationship with the family member), passed away today morning. In this tragic and unprecedented situation, I request you grant me a paid leave of 3 to 5 days. 

I am heading home in the next couple of hours to attend the funeral on (DD/MM/YYYY). I will be in my home town for the funeral and other related rituals and arrangements until (DD/MM/YYYY). I intend to be back in the office on (DD/MM/YYYY). I might take a few unpaid leaves after the aforementioned date, depending on how things at home are going. 

I would like you to be considerate of my situation. I would be highly appreciative of your concern in these grieving times. 

I have asked (Name of your colleague) to take care of my tasks while I am away. Feel free to contact me him/her/them for work-related questions. You can also reach me at (Contact Number)

Thank you for considering my request.

Regards,

(Name of the bereaved employee)

(Designation)

Sample 2 (Funeral of a Friend)

(Name of the Employer/Reporting Manager)

(Name of the Enterprise)

(Address of the Office)

Date: DD/MM/YYYY

Subject: Leave for attending a friend’s funeral.

Dear Ma’am/Sir, 

I just received the very tragic news that my friend (Name of the friend) lost his/her/their life a few hours ago. He/she/they were admitted to the hospital yesterday evening due to a road accident. I have to attend his/her/their funeral tomorrow afternoon (DD/MM/YYYY). I will be leaving today evening (DD/MM/YYYY) to go to my friend’s home town. I will be unavailable from (DD/MM/YYYY) to (DD/MM/YYYY).

Please be considerate and grant me a funeral leave for the above-mentioned duration. I will be highly obliged for your kind consideration.

I have requested my teammate (Name of your co-worker) to take over my work during my leave of absence. You can also contact me via email (email ID) and call (Contact number).

Thank you.

Regards

(Name of the applicant)]

(Designation)

Read: Maternity Leave Application

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