Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is a Massachusetts program designed to give employers and workers the resources needed to navigate family and health needs. The staff at the Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) extend our sympathy to those who are dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Death During Medical Leave for a Serious Health Condition
If your family member, loved one, or an employee at your organization, died while they were on medical leave for their own serious health condition, please contact the DFML contact center at (833) 344-7365.
PFML benefits end at the time of death. A call center agent will ask you to verify information and will inform you of next steps if any payments need to be returned to DFML.
Death of a Family Member During a Family Caregiver’s Leave
If your family member with a serious health condition dies while you are on family leave to care for them, your leave ending date must be adjusted. Please contact the DFML contact center at (833) 344-7365. A call center agent will ask you to verify information and will inform you of next steps if any payments need to be returned to DFML.
DFML recognizes that after such a difficult loss, you may be impacted by a resulting physical or mental health condition. Medical leave may be available to you if you are eligible and if your health care provider certifies that you have a serious health condition.
Stillbirth or Miscarriage During Leave
We understand how devastating a miscarriage or stillbirth can be for families. If you are on medical leave for pregnancy at the time of a stillbirth or miscarriage you can contact DFML to make any necessary changes to your medical leave. Bonding leave must be cancelled after a stillbirth or miscarriage.
DFML recognizes that after such a difficult event, you may be impacted by a resulting physical or mental health condition. Medical leave may be available to you if your health care provider certifies that you have a serious health condition. If you have a partner, they may be eligible for family leave to care for you during your recovery or for medical leave for their own certified serious health condition.
Do I Need to Provide a Death Certificate to DFML?
No, a death certificate is not typically required. Please call the DFML contact center at (833) 344-7365 to report the death of a PFML recipient or the death of a family member who was being cared for by a family caregiver receiving PFML benefits.
Can I Use PFML for Bereavement?
No, the law that governs the PFML program does not include any PFML benefits for bereavement time. Please check with your employer about their bereavement policy. If you are eligible for PFML and the loss of a loved one has caused or worsened a physical or mental health condition, medical leave may be available to you.
Contact for Guidance for Families and Employers Following a Death During Paid Family and Medical Leave
Phone
Department of Family and Medical Leave - Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Department of Family and Medical Leave - Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Department of Family and Medical Leave - Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Department of Revenue - Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Date published: | December 11, 2024 |
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Last updated: | December 11, 2024 |