Time away from duties and training is critical for the continued well-being of Service members. The Department of the Air Force provides a number of benefits to provide Service members opportunities for time away from their jobs.

On March 29, 2023, the Department of Defense announced a new non-chargeable, paid bereavement leave benefit for Service members who suffer the loss of their Spouse or Child.

Directive-type Memorandum 23-003 –"Bereavement Leave for Service Members" implements the policy and procedures for the administration of bereavement leave for Service members across the Department of Defense. The new leave benefit is authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.

In accordance with Section 701(l) of Title 10, U.S.C., a member who experiences such a loss will be allowed up to 14 days of leave to be used in connection with the death of a Spouse or Child. A member with less than 30 days of accrued ordinary leave may be authorized bereavement leave for this purpose. Authority to grant bereavement leave will be extended to unit commanders.

Implementation of Bereavement Leave

• Immediate Effect: A Service member whose Spouse or Child dies on or after DTM-23-003 effective date, and who was charged leave in connection with such death, may request such leave be restored through the process established by the Secretary of the Military Department concerned. Such leave will be restored if the Service member would have been eligible for bereavement leave as described in DTM-23-003.

• Retroactive Period: A Service member whose Spouse or Child died on or after June 25, 2022, and before DTM-23-003 effective date, and who was charged leave in connection with such death, may request such leave be restored through the process established by the Secretary of the Military Department concerned. Such leave will be restored if the Service member would have been eligible for bereavement leave as described in DTM-23-003 and the member has not separated or retired from active service before the effective date of DTM-23-003.

Eligibility

• A Service member whose Spouse or Child dies on or after June 25, 2022 and who has fewer than 30 days of accrued ordinary leave on the date of such death is eligible for bereavement leave.

• A Service member whose Spouse or Child dies on or after June 25, 2022 and who has 30 or more days of accrued ordinary leave on the date of such death is eligible for bereavement leave once their accrued ordinary leave is less than 30 days.

For more detailed information, refer to DTM-23-003 (Bereavement Leave for Service Members)