What To Do When Someone Dies in Australia: Steps & Who to Call (2025 Guide)

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🕯 The First 24–72 Hours Can Feel Overwhelming

When someone dies — at home, in hospital, in aged care, or unexpectedly — families often find themselves unsure where to start.

There’s grief, shock, and confusion… and suddenly urgent decisions must be made.

This step-by-step guide from FuneralSmart, powered by eziFunerals, explains exactly what to do, who to contact, what paperwork is required, and how to compare funeral costs safely.

✅ 1. Confirm the Death & Get Documentation

The first step depends on where the person passed away.

If they die in hospital or aged care

Staff will handle the initial verification, paperwork, and family notification.

If they die at home (expected death)

Contact their GP or palliative care provider to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.

If the death is unexpected

Call 000 immediately. Police and a coroner may be involved.

You cannot move the body until authorities give permission.

📄 2. Documents You Will Need

Collect these as early as possible:

• Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
• Personal ID (Medicare, driver’s licence, passport)
• Details needed for the Death Registration
• Funeral director quotes or plans
• Centrelink numbers (for bereavement assistance)

A funeral director will later use these for official registration.

📞 3. Contact a Funeral Director (But Compare First)

Most funerals are arranged within 2–5 days, but you don’t need to rush into a decision.

Before choosing anyone, compare prices here:

👉 FuneralSmart Funeral Cost Comparison

Then verify licensed, independent providers here:

👉 eziFunerals Funeral Director Directory

Why compare first?

Funeral prices vary widely — from $2,400 to over $15,000 — and some websites hide fees or subcontract without telling you.

⚠️ 4. Understand the Immediate Costs

Your options affect your budget:

Type of Farewell	Typical Cost (AUD)
Direct Cremation	$2,400 – $4,200
Cremation w/ Service	$4,000 – $7,000
Burial	$6,000 – $15,000

(Source: Australian Funeral Index 2025)

Use this tool to estimate real prices:

👉 Funeral Cost Calculator

💵 5. Check for Financial Support

You may be eligible for:

• Centrelink Bereavement Payment
• State funeral assistance (varies by state)
• Superannuation death benefit releases
• Prepaid funeral or funeral bond funds

See full details here:

🔗 Government Help for Funeral Costs – Australia

If a prepaid plan may exist, search here:

🔗 Find Lost Funeral Plans

🕊 6. Decide on Cremation, Burial or Memorial

FuneralSmart helps families explore all options:

Cremation Options

• Direct cremation (no service)
• Cremation with chapel service
• Family-held memorial after ashes return

Burial Options

• Graveside service
• Cemetery chapel + burial
• Natural/eco burials (where available)

No-Rushed Decisions

You do not need to arrange everything immediately.

You can take time to compare options safely online.

🧾 7. Register the Death

The funeral director normally handles this.

The Births, Deaths & Marriages registry will issue:

• A Death Certificate (official legal record)
• Certified copies for banks, super, estate matters

🧭 8. Begin Estate, Super & Legal Notifications

You may need to notify:

• Super fund (for death benefit release)
• Banks
• Centrelink
• Aged care provider
• Private health fund
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs

For legal rights, see:

🔗 Funeral Directors & The Law in Australia

💡 9. Protect Yourself From Common Funeral Scams

FuneralSmart helps Australians avoid:

• Hidden fees
• Subcontracted cremations
• Fake “low-cost” websites
• High-pressure upselling

Learn the red flags here:

👉 Funeral Scams & Pricing Traps

🧭 10. Plan the Farewell in Your Own Time

Once the initial steps are completed, you can take as much time as you need to:

• Choose a venue
• Write a eulogy
• Create a photo tribute
• Arrange flowers or music
• Organise a memorial later

Many families now choose separate memorials after a simple cremation, reducing stress and cost.

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who do I call first when someone dies?

If expected: call the GP or palliative nurse.

If unexpected: call 000.

Q2: How long do I have to arrange a funeral?

Most are held within a week, but there is no legal time limit in most cases.

Q3: Can I delay decisions to compare prices?

Yes — you can compare quotes online before choosing a funeral director.

Q4: What’s the most affordable option?

A direct cremation, typically $2,400–$4,200.

Q5: How do I avoid overpaying?

Use FuneralSmart to compare real, transparent quotes:

👉 https://funeralsmart.com.au/compare-funeral-costs/

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