payment for a funeral

The person who contacts the funeral director and orders the funeral is legally responsible for paying the costs of the funeral although the money will usually come from the deceased's estate. If money is a problem it is worth contacting several funeral directors to see if fees are negotiable or if payment may be made by instalment. Some banks and other financial institutions will release funds from an account of the deceased person to pay funeral expenses.

help with funeral costs

If a person has no next of kin or the next of kin are receiving certain social security payments, the Department for Families and Communities may arrange and pay for a cremation. For more information contact the Funerals Assistance Program.

help for married/partnered pensioners

A pensioner may retain any social security payment already paid into her or his spouse's account. A lump sum is made to the survivor when the partner dies. The lump sum payment is what the couple would have received for the seven pension payments after death less the amount that would have paid to the survivor for the same seven payments.

help for single pensioners

To assist towards the cost of funeral arrangements when a single pensioner dies, the estate will be entitled to the next full pension payment. This also applies when a pensioner dies and the surviving spouse is not a pensioner.

help for non pensioners

A Bereavement Allowance can provide short term assistance to recently bereaved men and women. Women over 50 years old may be eligible for the Widow Allowance, see pensions, allowances and payments.

help for carers

A person receiving a Carer Payment will continue to receive this payment for fourteen weeks after the death of the person being cared for. A person responsible for raising a non-adopted child whose parents are deceased (see pensions), can be paid a Double Orphan's Pension in addition to Family Allowance.

when a child dies

A person receiving a Parenting Payment whose only child dies, will retain eligibility for fourteen weeks following the child's death.

Veterans

In some cases the Department of Veterans' Affairs can grant a funeral benefit to help towards meeting the costs of the funeral of a deceased service pensioner. This benefit is paid to assist the person responsible for paying the costs of the funeral. A funeral benefit may be made to help towards the cost of the funeral expenses of a veteran:

Alternatively it may be paid for a veteran:

Pensioner associations and registered clubs

Some associations, and some clubs, such as the RSL, may pay a small funeral benefit for members or people who need assistance.

Trade unions

It is worth enquiring of the union to which the deceased belonged whether or not any benefits are available.

Health insurance schemes

Some schemes cover funeral benefits. Check the policy or contact the health insurance company.

Financial institutions

Banks may lend money to low income earners and pensioners. A home equity loan may be appropriate for those with real estate who need access to cash, see consumer credit. A loan should not be accepted without knowing: