How to Claim a Bereavement Payment or Funeral Grant in Australia (2025 Guide)

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🕊 Losing a Loved One Is Hard Enough — The Paperwork Shouldn’t Be

After a death, emotions run high — but so does the paperwork.

Many Australians aren’t aware they may be eligible for government support such as a Bereavement Payment, Funeral Grant, or state assistance program.

This guide by FuneralSmart — powered by eziFunerals — walks you through exactly how to claim help, what documents you need, and where to apply in 2025.

⚖️ What Is a Bereavement Payment?

The Bereavement Payment is a Centrelink benefit that helps people who have lost a partner, child, or dependent.

It’s designed to ease short-term financial pressure while funeral or estate arrangements are being finalised.

There are two main categories:

1. Pension or benefit recipients (e.g. Age Pension, Carer Payment)
2. Parents or carers who received Family Tax Benefit or Carer Allowance

Learn more from ➡ Services Australia – Bereavement Payment

💰 How Much You Can Receive

The amount depends on the type of payment you or the deceased were receiving.

Type of Payment	Who Can Claim	Typical Amount (Approx.)
Age Pension	Surviving partner	Up to 14 weeks of pension continuation
Carer Payment	Carer or partner	Equivalent to 14 weeks of payment
Parenting Payment	Single parents	Lump sum bereavement allowance
Veterans Pension	Eligible dependants	Paid through DVA support schemes

(Source: Services Australia & eziFunerals Research 2025)

🧾 Documents You’ll Need

Before applying, make sure you have:

✅ Death certificate or medical cause of death statement

✅ Centrelink Customer Reference Numbers (CRN) for you and the deceased

✅ Proof of relationship (marriage, de facto, or care arrangement)

✅ Funeral invoice or receipt (if already paid)

✅ Bank details for payment

You can submit claims online via myGov or in person at a Services Australia centre.

🏛 Step-by-Step: How to Claim a Bereavement Payment

Step 1: Notify Centrelink

Call or visit Centrelink to report the death. This will automatically start the bereavement process if you or your partner were receiving eligible benefits.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Centrelink staff will confirm whether you qualify for a Bereavement Payment or other support like Carer Supplement or Family Tax Benefit bereavement.

Step 3: Submit Documents

Upload or deliver your supporting documents (death certificate, invoices, etc.).

Step 4: Receive the Payment

Payments are usually processed within 2–4 weeks and deposited directly into your nominated bank account.

Step 5: Request Additional Help

If the funeral bill exceeds what’s covered, apply for state-based assistance through Funeral Assistance Australia.

🏙 State-Based Funeral Grants (2025 Update)

In addition to Commonwealth support, each state provides limited assistance for low-income families or unclaimed estates:

State	Program	Typical Assistance	Contact
NSW	Funeral Assistance Program	Basic cremation if no estate funds	Local Public Health Unit
VIC	State Trustees Grant	$2,000 – $3,000 basic service	Public Trustee Victoria
QLD	Coroners Assistance	Public health funeral	Queensland Health
WA	Communities Funeral Grant	$1,000 – $1,800 contribution	Dept. of Communities WA
SA	Public Trustee Support	Simple cremation	Public Trustee SA

(Verified via eziFunerals Research 2025)

💡 If You’re Claiming on Behalf of Someone Else

You can claim as an authorised representative (executor, next of kin, or carer).

Make sure to include:

• Your ID and relationship proof
• A completed Representative Authority Form (available from Centrelink)

If the deceased person’s superannuation fund allows early release for funeral expenses, you can apply simultaneously — see FuneralSmart.com.au for cost comparisons to match your available funds.

📞 Useful Contacts

Support Type	Contact	Website
Centrelink Bereavement Payments	132 300	servicesaustralia.gov.au
State Funeral Assistance (NSW)	1300 066 055	health.nsw.gov.au
Funeral Advice & Comparison	FuneralSmart.com.au	Transparent funeral quotes
Legal & Consumer Rights	eziFunerals.com.au	Funeral law & consumer protection

🌿 Smart Planning Tip

Even if you receive a Bereavement Payment, it rarely covers the full cost of a funeral.

To protect your family from out-of-pocket stress:

• Consider a Prepaid Funeral or Funeral Bond.
• Use the Funeral Cost Calculator to plan ahead.
• Compare transparent local quotes with FuneralSmart before committing.

🧭 The Smarter Way to Claim

1. Report the death to Centrelink promptly.
2. Gather all documents before applying.
3. Claim online via myGov for faster results.
4. Apply for state-level support if funds are still short.
5. Compare costs transparently to avoid overpaying.

Visit 👉 https://funeralsmart.com.au to start planning.

💡 Key Takeaway

Government funeral payments are there to help — but they only go so far.

By knowing your rights and comparing costs early, you can protect your family from unnecessary debt or stress.

Plan Smarter. Spend Less. Save More.

FuneralSmart – Smarter Choices. Peace of Mind.

Powered by eziFunerals.com.au.

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I know if I qualify for a Bereavement Payment?

If you or your partner received a Centrelink benefit, you may qualify. Contact Centrelink at 132 300.

Q2: How long does it take to receive a Bereavement Payment?

Typically 2–4 weeks after lodging your claim with all required documents.

Q3: Can I get both a Bereavement Payment and State Funeral Assistance?

Yes — if the estate has no funds and you still face costs after using federal support.

Q4: Do I have to repay Bereavement Payments?

No — they are not loans. They are grants designed to help with funeral and transition expenses.

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