Who Qualifies for a Bereavement Payment in Australia

When someone close passes away, most people are hit with two waves. The first is the shock and sadness, which can be tough enough to handle on its own. The second wave, though, comes from the realisation of all the sudden costs and paperwork that pop up. This is where bereavement payments come into play, and everyone asks who qualifies for a bereavement payment.

What Is a Bereavement Payment — and Why It Matters?

A bereavement payment is a one-off, non-taxable sum provided to help people manage an immediate financial impact following the death of a loved one. In Australia, this payment can make a big difference as families try to cover expenses like funeral costs, final bills, or simply make ends meet while getting used to new financial circumstances. These payments are especially important for those already relying on government support, as a disruption in regular payments can have real, immediate effects.

Bereavement payments are not a catch-all solution, but they offer some breathing space when things are at their hardest. For example, families of eligible veterans may qualify for a special bereavement payment, recognising their unique circumstances. Generally, people who may be eligible are spouses, partners, carers, or certain dependants who were receiving income support before the death or were closely connected financially to the person who has died.

Key things to know about bereavement payments in Australia:

• They are usually paid as a lump sum.
• The amount depends on your prior relationship to the deceased and your payment status.
• Strict eligibility criteria and a specific window to apply.

Even though no payment can ease grief, having urgent costs covered takes at least one practical worry off your mind, so you can focus on what really matters: taking care of yourself and your family.

Who Qualifies for a Bereavement Payment under Australian Law

To be eligible for a bereavement payment in Australia, the applicant needs to meet specific legal requirements set out by Services Australia. This payment is designed mostly for people who have lost a spouse, de facto partner, or someone in their care, and were both receiving certain benefits or pensions at the time of death.

Here’s a list of core groups who may qualify:

• Spouses or de facto partners of the deceased, if both were getting eligible Centrelink payments or pensions for at least 12 months
• Carers who were providing care to the person who has passed and were getting Carer Payment or Carer Allowance
• Certain family members, such as parents or guardians, in cases where the deceased was a dependent child and receiving government payments

Payments are available, and the basic eligibility criteria are:

A few other scenarios are also covered, but you usually need to be getting an eligible payment yourself, or the deceased had to be receiving a covered benefit.

If you’re already grieving and handling paperwork feels overwhelming, Services Australia can let you know quickly if you’re entitled to help. Most people find there’s no harm in asking, and sometimes the criteria are more flexible than they expect.

The next steps in this article will explore residency rules, relationship criteria, and practical tips on how to get your application right.

Residency and Citizenship Requirements for Who Qualifies for a Bereavement Payment

To access a bereavement payment in Australia, residency and citizenship criteria are key. Not everyone living in Australia can receive this help — you must meet specific government standards. Processing these rules can seem a bit much, but once you break them down, it’s manageable. Most payments are intended for people who are lawfully in Australia and settled.

Here are the general residency and citizenship requirements:

• The applicant needs to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa.
• You must usually be living in Australia when you claim, although there can be exceptions for some who have recently left or are temporarily overseas.
• Many payments require you (or the deceased) to have been receiving Centrelink payments already—meaning you’ve likely already had your eligibility confirmed at some point.

Below is a table listing the core details for common scenarios:

For those caring for children under 14, being an Australian resident or having a connection to Australia is also relevant when claiming related supports, as pointed out by the rules for Parenting Payment benefits.

Residency rules can seem strict, but they’re meant to ensure help goes to those who are part of the community and financially affected by a loss.

There’s no shortcut — proving residency or citizenship is a central step if you want to qualify for a bereavement payment in Australia.

Relationship Criteria: Who Qualifies for a Bereavement Payment as a Spouse, Partner, or Dependent

The relationship you had with the deceased plays a major role in whether you can receive a bereavement payment in Australia. The government looks carefully at your connection, especially if you were a spouse, de facto partner, or dependent. Not all acquaintances or family members are automatically eligible—only those who met specific relationship requirements at the time of death.

The main qualifying relationships include:

• Married or de facto partners who were living together at the time of death
• Carers who were receiving an eligible Carer Payment or Carer Allowance and were still caring for the deceased person when they died
• Dependants, including children, who met the conditions attached to the relevant Centrelink benefit

The following table summarises the typical relationship requirements:

There are a few conditions tied to these relationships that are worth keeping in mind:

1. Usually, both you and the deceased must have received an eligible income support payment, such as the Age Pension or Disability Support Pension, for at least 12 months before death if applying as a partner.
2. If you were a carer, you generally need to have received a Carer Payment or Allowance right up to the person’s death.
3. In many cases, anyone claiming as a dependent must be recognised as such within Centrelink’s system—this often means they were already established as a dependent in relation to the deceased’s benefit.

It’s not uncommon to feel confused about whether your relationship type qualifies. If you’re ever unsure, speak with Services Australia or a Centrelink social worker—they help clarify your specific situation and guide you through any evidence you might need.

Work, Study, and Income Tests for Who Qualifies for a Bereavement Payment

Centrelink has set out specific work, study, and income tests that determine who can receive a bereavement payment in Australia. These criteria are in place to make sure the payment goes to those who had a direct economic relationship with the person who has died, or to those who were already reliant on income support.

To be eligible, you or the deceased usually need to have been receiving an approved Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs income support payment for at least 12 months before the date of death. These could include payments like the Age Pension, Carer Payment, JobSeeker Payment, or specific study-related allowances.

Income and asset tests always apply, and they operate in much the same way as for regular payments. Here’s a simple table outlining some key Centrelink income support payments and associated assessment tests:

To pass these tests:

• Your assessable income and assets must not exceed the allowable limits for the payment type.
• For those still working or earning money, concessions (such as the Work Bonus) can sometimes apply to reduce the impact of employment income on your eligibility, particularly if you were on the Age Pension.
• Study-status payments like Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY require that you or the deceased have remained eligible for at least 12 months.

These tests are not just a formality—they decide if, and how much, financial support you’ll receive at a time when money is probably the last thing you want to think about. It’s worth keeping precise records of your household’s income and assets, and checking your eligibility with Centrelink as soon as possible after your loss.

Timing and Application Windows for Who Qualifies for a Bereavement Payment

Understanding the timing for applying for a bereavement payment in Australia is important, as there are clear deadlines and details that can affect eligibility. Bereavement payments are not open-ended; you must apply within certain periods, or you may miss out.

Generally, here’s what to keep in mind:

• You usually need to apply within 26 weeks (about six months) from the date the person passed away. If you lodge a claim after this, you may not receive the payment.
• The start date for any payment is often based on when you contact Services Australia to let them know of the death, not just when you submit all your paperwork.
• Payments are typically backdated to the date of death, but only if you report the death within the allowed timeframe.
• If you were already sharing an eligible payment (like an Age Pension) with the person who has died, the payment adjustments generally begin the first pay period after the death.

A few steps to stay on track:

1. Contact Centrelink or Services Australia quickly after the death.
2. Gather relevant documentation (like death certificates and proof of relationship).
3. Submit your claim as soon as you can — ideally, well before the 26-week window closes.

Missing the designated application period can sometimes result in not being paid at all, even if you would have otherwise qualified. It helps to act promptly, even while things feel overwhelming.

Exceptions and Special Cases in Who Qualifies for a Bereavement Payment

Certain situations break the usual rules about who can claim a bereavement payment in Australia. While the majority of payments follow strict eligibility guidelines, there are a handful of exceptions and odd cases where you might still get support, even if you wouldn’t at first glance appear to qualify.

Some notable exceptions and special circumstances include:

• Temporary visa holders might qualify if they have dependent children and meet other criteria.
• In rare cases, if both people in a couple are receiving qualifying payments and one dies, the surviving partner may be entitled even if payment arrangements were unusual.
• Carers who lose the person in their care may receive continued carer payments for a short period, even if they would not usually qualify for other benefits.
• Women born before a certain date (like 1 July 1955) who have little work experience can apply for a separate Widow Allowance upon bereavement.
• If there are no family or assets to pay for a basic funeral, the state’s Area Health Service may arrange a destitute funeral, with different qualifying rules in each state.

Even with strict laws, there are cases where compassionate or practical exceptions apply. Every situation is carefully reviewed, so it pays to check your specific details with Centrelink if you think your situation might fall outside the regular rules.

Before ruling yourself out, consider if your unique set of circumstances matches any of these exceptions — and reach out for advice if you’re unsure.

How to Apply & What Documentation Is Needed When Determining Who Qualifies for a Bereavement Payment

Applying for a bereavement payment in Australia is about more than filling out a form. You’ll need to gather a set of official documents before Centrelink or other agencies will even consider your application. If you’re already struggling with a loss, the paperwork might feel like a hassle, but the claim must proceed smoothly.

Here’s a basic rundown of the process:

1. Notify Centrelink of the death as soon as you can. This is the first step—they’ll need formal notice that your loved one has passed away.
2. Make sure you have the key documents on hand. This usually means:
   • The deceased person’s death certificate or a letter from the funeral director
   • Proof of your relationship (like a marriage certificate, Centrelink-recognised de facto status, or evidence you were their carer)
   • Both your identification documents (driver’s licence, passport, Medicare card, etc.)
   • Your bank account details, as payments are often made by direct deposit
3. Complete a bereavement payment claim at Centrelink, either online, by phone, or at a service centre.
4. Wait for a response. If any documents are missing or unclear, Centrelink might ask you for more information before finalising your claim.
5. Sometimes, you may also need to locate the deceased person’s will and important documents to help with the process or clarify details for the authorities.

Below is a quick table of what’s generally required and examples:

If you feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, don’t worry—many find this part hard, especially right after losing someone. It’s fine to ask for help from Centrelink staff or a trusted friend.

You need to apply within 26 weeks of the passing for most Centrelink bereavement payments. Keep copies of everything, and don’t hesitate to check if you’ve missed a step. Taking things one piece at a time can make a difference.

Applying for a bereavement payment doesn’t have to be tricky. We make it easier by guiding you through the process and showing you the documents you need. Want to learn more or need a hand? Visit our site for clear instructions and helpful support. Don’t wait—get the info you need today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can receive a bereavement payment in Australia?

A bereavement payment is usually given to the spouse, de facto partner, or carer of someone who has died. To qualify, either you or the person who passed away must have been getting Centrelink payments before the death.

Do I need to be an Australian citizen to get a bereavement payment?

You do not always need to be a citizen, but you must meet certain residency rules. Usually, you need to be living in Australia and have the right visa or residency status. Check with Services Australia for your specific situation.

Is there an income or assets test for bereavement payments?

Yes, most bereavement payments have income and assets tests. This means Centrelink will look at how much money you earn and what you own before deciding if you qualify.

How soon should I apply for a bereavement payment after someone dies?

You should apply within 26 weeks (about six months) after the person’s death. If you wait longer, you might miss out on the payment.

What documents do I need to apply for a bereavement payment?

You usually need to provide proof of the person’s death, such as a death certificate, and details about your relationship with them. You might also need to show information about your income and assets.

Can I get help with funeral costs from Centrelink?

Centrelink does not directly pay for funerals, but a bereavement payment can help with some of the costs. If you have no way to pay for a funeral, the state government may help with a basic service, called a destitute funeral.