Your first step is to review whatever employee policies are in place at your workplace. Are there any policies or practices regarding bereavement leave?  Have other employees been able to take paid time off when they've been faced with a death in the family?  If so, make the argument to your employer that you similarly have the right to be paid for the second week since you were still an employee during that time. Also contact your state Department of Labor or Employment to find out what your state laws have to say about your particular situation.  I fyou left work to care for your critically ill mother before she died, you might be able to receive some compensation through your state's family temporary disability program, such as the one in California.

(Reviewed 9-08)