Centrelink Bereavement
Payments Explained
When someone you love dies, working out what financial help is available shouldn't be another burden. This guide explains every Centrelink bereavement payment, government assistance program, and affordable funeral option available to WA families — clearly, without jargon, and without pressure.
eligible pensioner couples
of carer allowance as lump sum
if no other options available
Greenfields — no hidden fees
The short answer: Centrelink does not pay funeral directors directly and there is no single "funeral payment" you can apply for. However, the Centrelink bereavement payment for eligible pensioner couples can provide $2,000–$4,000 to help offset costs — and for families in genuine hardship, WA has a program that can cover the full cost of a basic funeral. This guide explains everything, including what a funeral actually costs for pensioners in Perth.
The Centrelink Bereavement Payment — How It Works
If both you and your partner were receiving a Centrelink income support payment when they died, you may be entitled to a lump sum bereavement payment. This is the most common form of Centrelink funeral help available to WA families.
The Centrelink bereavement payment is calculated as the difference between what you were receiving as a couple and what you'll now receive as a single person, paid as a lump sum covering 14 weeks. You can use it for any purpose — including funeral costs, living expenses, or bills. It is not taxable.
Many families assume the bereavement payment is automatically paid when someone dies. It is not. You must notify Centrelink of the death and the payment is then assessed based on your specific circumstances. The sooner you notify them, the sooner the payment is processed.
| Your Situation | Typical Bereavement Payment | How It's Calculated |
|---|---|---|
| Both partners on full Age Pension | $2,500 – $4,000 | Difference between couple and single rate × 14 weeks |
| Both partners on part Age Pension | $1,500 – $3,000 | Varies depending on income and asset levels |
| One on Age Pension, one on DSP | $2,000 – $3,500 | Based on the payment types and combined rate |
| Partner on Carer Payment (person died) | Up to 14 weeks continued payment | Plus possible additional lump sum |
| Only the deceased received a payment | Up to 14 weeks of their payment | Paid as a lump sum to the surviving partner |
Eligibility: You and your partner must both have been receiving an income support payment for at least 12 months before the death, and you must have been living together as a couple. You do not need to have been married — de facto partners qualify. Call Centrelink on 132 300 to confirm your entitlement and begin the claim.
Bereavement allowance vs bereavement payment: These terms are often confused. The "bereavement allowance" was a separate Centrelink payment that was abolished in March 2020. It has been replaced by the bereavement payment described above, plus access to JobSeeker Payment for surviving partners who need ongoing income support. If you've seen references to the bereavement allowance Centrelink used to offer, the information above is the current replacement.
Centrelink Payments for Carers When the Person They Care for Dies
If you were providing care for the person who died, you may be entitled to additional Centrelink bereavement support — separate from the standard bereavement payment above.
Carer Allowance Bereavement Payment
If you were receiving Carer Allowance for the person who died, you may receive a lump sum equal to up to 14 weeks of that allowance. This is paid automatically — you do not need to apply separately. Centrelink will contact you once they're notified of the death.
Continued Carer Payment
If you were receiving Carer Payment, you may continue to receive it for up to 14 weeks after the death. This gives you time to apply for another income support payment if needed. You may also receive an additional lump sum bereavement payment depending on your circumstances.
Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment
Available if your partner was registered in the Pension Bonus Scheme but died before claiming their bonus. You must claim within 26 weeks of their death. The amount is based on the bonus your partner would have received — which can be significant if they had deferred claiming Age Pension for several years.
Funeral Costs for Pensioners — What You'll Actually Pay
One of the most common questions we hear from pensioners and their families is simply: how much does a funeral actually cost? The answer depends on what you choose — and at Greenfields, we believe you should know the price before you commit to anything.
Many Perth families are surprised to find that a dignified funeral doesn't have to cost $12,000–$15,000. Corporate funeral chains often present their premium services first, which can make funeral costs feel overwhelming — especially for families on the pension. As an independent family-owned funeral director, we offer clear pricing with no hidden fees. For a full explanation of how to arrange a dignified farewell on a limited budget — including the questions to ask any provider and all available financial support — see our complete guide to affordable funerals in Perth.
Greenfields Funerals — At-Need Pricing
For pensioner families, a Centrelink bereavement payment of $2,500–$4,000 combined with a direct cremation at $4,260 means government assistance can cover most or all of the cost. Even a simple funeral at $6,950 becomes manageable when bereavement payments, bank releases, and superannuation are factored in.
Planning ahead on the pension: A prepaid funeral plan locks in today's prices and is exempt from Centrelink's assets test — it won't affect your pension. For pensioners, prepaying is often the most practical way to protect your family from future cost increases while keeping your full pension entitlement.
WA Bereavement Assistance Program — When There Are No Other Options
If you genuinely cannot afford funeral costs and don't qualify for other payments, Western Australia's Department of Communities administers a program that can cover the full cost of a basic, dignified funeral.
Important: If approved, you do not choose the funeral director — the Department uses contracted providers. This program is a last resort for families in genuine hardship after all other options have been exhausted.
Who is Eligible
The deceased's estate has insufficient funds. Immediate family members cannot afford to pay. Family members will be income and asset tested. You have exhausted other options including superannuation, insurance, and savings.
What's Provided
A basic, dignified funeral through a Department-contracted funeral director. This typically includes burial (or cremation if specified in a will or for cultural reasons), coffin, hearse transport, and a brief service.
How to Apply
Phone 1800 854 925 (free call) or visit your local Department of Communities office. You will need to attend an interview and provide documentation of your financial situation. Act as soon as possible after the death.
DVA Funeral Benefits for Veterans and Their Partners
If the person who died was a veteran or received a DVA pension, additional financial support may be available through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
DVA Funeral Benefit
May be available if the veteran received a DVA pension, died in circumstances related to military service, or died in impoverished circumstances. Contact DVA directly on 1800 555 254 as soon as possible after the death.
Surviving Partner Bereavement Payment
If you are the spouse, dependant or carer of a deceased veteran who was receiving a DVA pension, you may be eligible for a DVA bereavement payment in addition to any Centrelink entitlements. Our team can help you identify which payments apply in your situation.
Greenfields Funerals has extensive experience in arranging funerals for veterans and their families. We're familiar with DVA documentation requirements and can assist your family through the claims process as part of our service.
Superannuation Death Benefits — Usually the Largest Source of Funds
Before applying for any government assistance, check the deceased's superannuation. Most Australians have super, and most super funds include life insurance as a default. This is frequently the most significant source of funds available to families — and it is often overlooked entirely.
Key fact: Many super funds will release funds specifically for funeral expenses before the full death benefit claim is processed. Ask the fund directly about an early release for funeral costs — this can often be arranged within days.
Find the superannuation accounts
Check recent statements, tax returns, or myGov. If you can't locate accounts, use the ATO's lost super search at ato.gov.au — many people have multiple accounts they're unaware of.
Contact each super fund directly
Call the fund and ask about a funeral expense advance. You'll need the death certificate and proof of your relationship to the deceased. Most funds have a bereavement team who handle this sensitively.
Complete the death benefit claim
The full super balance plus any life insurance is paid to nominated beneficiaries. If there is no nomination, the trustee decides — which can cause delays. This is a strong reason to keep super nominations current.
What to Do in the First Days — Financial Checklist
The financial and administrative steps after a death can feel overwhelming. Here is a practical sequence to follow, in order of priority.
Notify Centrelink within 28 days
Call 132 300 or visit a Service Centre. Have the death certificate, your own ID, and the deceased's Centrelink reference number ready. Ask specifically about the Centrelink bereavement payment and what you're entitled to.
Contact the deceased's bank
Ask about releasing funds from the deceased's account for funeral expenses. Most banks will do this with a death certificate and funeral invoice — often within 24–48 hours. This doesn't affect the estate settlement.
Locate superannuation accounts
Contact known super funds or use the ATO's lost super search. Ask specifically about an advance for funeral costs — many funds process this quickly.
Check for life or funeral insurance
Look through the deceased's paperwork, email, and online accounts for any policies. Some policies pay within days of a claim being lodged.
Check for a prepaid funeral plan
If the deceased planned ahead with Greenfields or another provider, a prepaid plan covers all or most costs. Check for any documentation or contact us — we can check our records immediately.
Contact DVA if the deceased was a veteran
Call 1800 555 254. Have service records, the death certificate and your own ID ready. DVA staff can advise on all available benefits in a single call.
If still unable to cover costs — WA Bereavement Assistance
Call 1800 854 925. This program is a genuine safety net for families with no other options. Do not hesitate to contact them — that is exactly what the program is for.
Greenfields Funerals handles the official death registration paperwork required for Centrelink, DVA, and other claims as part of our standard service. We'll walk you through what's needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions Perth families ask us most often about Centrelink funeral assistance and bereavement payments.
Planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for your family
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