Losing a loved one is a deeply challenging experience. Alongside the grief, families are often faced with unexpected financial strain, particularly when it comes to funeral expenses. In Australia, several government programs are in place to provide financial assistance during this difficult time. Understanding how to access bereavement payments can help ease the burden and provide critical support when you most need it.
Understanding Bereavement Payments
Bereavement payments are financial support payments provided by the Australian Government to help families deal with the financial impact of a death. These payments are administered through Services Australia (Centrelink) and vary depending on your relationship with the deceased and your eligibility.
Who is Eligible?
You may be eligible for bereavement assistance if:
- You were receiving a Centrelink income support payment (such as the Age Pension or Disability Support Pension).
- You are the partner, carer, or parent of a deceased person
- The deceased was a dependent child in your care.
- The deceased was receiving a payment that may have ongoing entitlement.
Eligibility depends on your relationship with the deceased and the type of payment that was in place.
Types of Bereavement Assistance
Some of the available assistance includes:
Bereavement Allowance (now part of JobSeeker)
Previously a stand-alone payment, the Bereavement Allowance has been merged into JobSeeker Payment for new applicants. If you are recently widowed and don’t qualify for the Age Pension, you may be eligible for JobSeeker with bereavement considerations.
Lump Sum Bereavement Payment
This is a one-off payment that assists with the immediate costs following a death. You may be eligible if:
- Your partner has passed away and you were both receiving a Centrelink payment
- A child you were caring for dies, and you were receiving Family Tax Benefit (FTB) or Carer Allowance
- You were the carer of someone receiving a Centrelink income support payment
This payment is generally made automatically if the death is reported in a timely manner. However, you must apply in some cases.
Bereavement Payment for Pensioners
If the deceased was receiving the Age Pension, and their partner was also a pensioner, the surviving partner may receive their combined pension rate for 14 weeks following the death. This is called a bereavement period. The payment can be issued as a lump sum or continued as part of the regular payment cycle.
Family Tax Benefit Bereavement Payment
If a child who was part of your Family Tax Benefit eligibility dies, a bereavement payment may be issued. You must notify Services Australia of the death as soon as possible to assess eligibility.
How to Apply for Bereavement Assistance
To access bereavement payments, you’ll need to:
- Report the death to Centrelink.
- Provide necessary identification documents.
- Complete a claim form if required.
You can start the process through your myGov account, or by contacting Centrelink’s bereavement services line directly.
Funeral Assistance in Australia
Bereavement payments help with general financial stability after a loss. Funeral assistance is more specifically aimed at covering funeral and burial or cremation costs. These vary significantly between states and territories.
State and Territory Funeral Assistance Programs
Some of the assistance programs in each state include:
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW Community Services may provide assistance where the deceased person has no estate, and nobody can pay for the funeral. This is often known as a destitute funeral and is arranged by the State.
Victoria
The Victorian Department of Health may arrange a public health funeral if no one is willing or able to take responsibility. Funeral assistance may also be available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through local Aboriginal organizations.
Queensland
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General in Queensland may offer funeral assistance for those who die in hardship. Applications must demonstrate financial need and lack of available assets in the estate.
Western Australia
In WA, public funerals are handled by the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board or regional equivalents. Centrelink bereavement payments may supplement private arrangements.
South Australia
SA offers funeral assistance through public health, but only in situations where no one is able to pay. The Department of Human Services may also support eligible Aboriginal families through specific programs.
Tasmania, ACT, and Northern Territory
These jurisdictions have similar schemes for indigent funerals or hardship assistance. They are typically organised through public health or justice departments. Some councils may offer minor concessions on cemetery fees or services.
Support from Charities and Not-for-Profits
Some non-government organisations also provide funeral assistance or financial support to grieving families. These include:
- The Salvation Army
- St Vincent de Paul Society
- Funeral-specific charities like Red Nose (for infant deaths)
- Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations
These bodies can sometimes help with organising services and covering specific funeral items. They can also provide grief counselling.
Superannuation and Life Insurance
The deceased may have held a superannuation account with a death benefit or life insurance policy that includes funeral cover. The beneficiary or next of kin can contact the relevant super fund or insurance provider to begin a claim.
Some superannuation funds offer advance funeral payments, which can be made directly to a funeral director. This can be a faster and more manageable way of covering immediate costs.
Tips for Accessing Support
- Act quickly: Time limits can apply, particularly for lump sum payments and funeral assistance programs. Notify Centrelink and other organisations as soon as possible.
- Keep documentation: Collect and store important documents. These include the death certificate, identification, banking information, and will.
- Ask for help: Reach out to social workers, legal aid centres, or local councils if you’re unsure where to start.
- Plan carefully: Seek quotes from multiple funeral providers and ask about flexible payment plans or basic service options.
Conclusion
Navigating the financial aftermath of a death can be difficult, but bereavement payments and funeral assistance programs in Australia offer vital support.
The team at Family Funerals has extensive experience with bereavement payments so get in touch and we will be happy to help.
