What government payments are available after someone dies in Australia?
Government help after an adult dies depends on the payments involved and your relationship to the person. An eligible surviving partner may receive a lump-sum bereavement payment; Carer Payment, Family Tax Benefit and other payments may also change. Veterans’ assistance follows separate rules. Notify Services Australia promptly and check its current bereavement guidance while you are also managing the estate.
For related guidance, see how long does it take to get a death certificate in Australia, and how many copies are needed?.
Read the video transcript
After a loss, navigating Centrelink is probably the last thing on your mind, but there can be financial assistance available. This includes bereavement payments for surviving partners of a pension recipient, bereavement allowance, adjustments to the family tax benefit, and specialised bereavement payments for veterans' families. These funds can assist with alleviating immediate financial burden, but strict application time limits apply.
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