The Pensioner's Guide
to Funeral Costs in WA
Straight answers about funeral costs, government assistance, and dignified options for pensioners in Perth and regional WA. No vague responses, no pressure — just honest information to help you make the right choice for your family.
Call 1300 69 79 8912 Questions Pensioners Ask Us About Funeral Costs
Planning a funeral often brings questions we feel uncomfortable asking. At Greenfields, we believe you deserve straight answers — no upselling, just honest information to help you make the right choice for your family.
Jump to Your Question
- What is the cheapest funeral option?
- Is it cheaper to be buried or cremated?
- How much does a basic funeral cost?
- What is the most expensive part?
- Coffin vs casket — what's the difference?
- Who pays for a funeral?
- Will Centrelink pay for a funeral?
- Who gets the $2,500 death benefit?
- What if you have no money?
- How do I get a free funeral?
- What is the least expensive way?
- What is the most important part?
Understanding What Funerals Actually Cost
1. What is the cheapest funeral option in Australia?
A direct cremation means the cremation takes place privately without a formal ceremony at the crematorium. There is no chapel hire, no celebrant, and no flowers required on the day. This removes thousands of dollars from the cost.
Many families choose to hold their own private memorial at home, a local park, or somewhere meaningful — somewhere that does not cost anything to hire.
2. Is it cheaper to be buried or cremated in Australia?
The Grant of Right of Burial (the plot of land) in the Perth metropolitan area ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 depending on the cemetery and location within the grounds. The interment fee (having the grave dug and prepared) adds another $1,200 to $2,500. Many cemeteries also require a concrete burial vault, adding $800 to $1,500 more.
| Cost Component | Direct Cremation | Burial |
|---|---|---|
| Cemetery / Crematorium Fee | Included in our price | $3,500 – $8,000+ |
| Coffin (minimum) | Cremation Coffin Included | $1,200 – $20,000 |
| Professional Service Fees | Included | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Total Range | $3,000 – $4,500 | $8,000 – $20,000+ |
3. How much does a basic funeral cost in Australia?
The wide range depends entirely on the choices you make. The main factors are the type of farewell (cremation vs burial), the service type (no service, simple chapel service, church service, or larger celebration), the coffin selection (from $1,200 to $15,000+), and additional items such as flowers ($200–$800), newspaper notices ($300–$600), and catering ($500–$2,000).
Many families are surprised to learn that the funeral director's professional fees are often not the largest expense — cemetery and crematorium fees set by the government often are.
4. What is the most expensive part of a funeral?
This is why we are transparent about exactly what is included in our pricing. You can see our full cremation pricing and our complete funeral costs guide.
5. Which is more expensive — a coffin or a casket?
A coffin is the traditional tapered shape (wider at the shoulders, narrower at the head and feet). A casket is rectangular with a hinged split lid. Because coffins use less material, they are generally the more economical choice — starting around $1,200, while caskets typically start around $2,000 although cremation capsules are a much more afforable option for direct cremations and are included in the $4,260.
For a direct cremation, a simple coffin is perfectly dignified and respectful.
We have put together a dedicated guide for families who need to manage costs carefully: affordable funerals in Perth from $4,260 — covering every option, what is included, and how to make sure you are comparing providers fairly.
Who Pays — and What Help Is Available
6. Who pays for a funeral when someone passes away?
In Western Australia, there is no legal requirement for family members to pay for a funeral they cannot afford. However, someone usually needs to take responsibility to release your loved one from the mortuary.
Common funding sources include: the person's bank account (most banks will release funds for funeral expenses before probate is granted), superannuation death benefits (which can often be $50,000 to $200,000 or more), life insurance or funeral insurance policies, a prepaid funeral plan, and Centrelink bereavement payments.
If none of these options are available, see Question 9 below about government assistance. For a complete guide, see who pays for a funeral when someone passes away.
7. Will Centrelink pay for a funeral?
You may receive a bereavement payment if both you and your partner were receiving an income support payment (such as Age Pension or Disability Support Pension) for at least the previous 12 months.
The payment equals the difference between what you were receiving as a couple versus what you will receive as a single person, calculated over 14 weeks and paid as a lump sum. This is typically $2,000 to $4,000 depending on your circumstances.
For more detail, see our complete Centrelink funeral assistance guide.
8. Who is eligible for the $2,500 death benefit?
If you have heard about a $2,500 benefit, it may relate to union membership benefits, superannuation fund death benefits, private health insurance funeral benefits, or Department of Veterans' Affairs benefits (up to $2,000 for eligible veterans).
Always check the person's paperwork, memberships, and super statements — benefits are often available that families do not know about.
When Money Is Tight
9. What happens if a loved one passes away and you have no money?
If there is no money in the estate and family members genuinely cannot pay, help is available. The WA Bereavement Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Communities, provides funeral assistance for families in financial hardship. Both the estate and immediate family members are income and asset tested.
If approved, the Department will engage their contracted funeral director to provide a basic, dignified funeral. The family may be asked to contribute a small amount if they can.
How to apply: Call 1800 854 925 (free call) or visit your local Department of Communities office.
Before applying for government assistance, call us. Our direct cremation from $4,260 may actually be more affordable than you expect, and it gives your family control over the arrangements.
10. How do I get a free funeral?
Body donation to medical science: If the person registered for body donation (for example, through UWA's Body Bequest Program), the university covers cremation costs. Ashes are returned to the family, usually 12–24 months later.
WA Bereavement Assistance Program: If you qualify, the government covers the funeral cost (though a small contribution may be requested).
Veterans with no estate: DVA may cover funeral costs for veterans who passed away in impoverished circumstances.
A straightforward direct cremation from $4,260 may give your family more control, dignity, and flexibility than waiting for government assistance.
What Really Matters
11. What is the least expensive way to have a funeral?
Choose direct cremation: No chapel hire, no flowers, no formal ceremony required.
Hold a private memorial: Gather at home, a local park, or somewhere meaningful. Share stories and photos. This costs nothing but means everything.
Skip the newspaper notice: Post on social media instead, or use our free online death notices page.
Keep the ashes: Rather than purchasing an expensive niche or plot, keep the ashes at home or scatter them somewhere special (no permission needed for private land or at sea in WA).
Garden flowers: Flowers from the garden in a jar are just as meaningful as a $400 florist arrangement.
12. What is the most important part of a funeral?
The funerals people remember are not the most expensive ones — they are the ones where genuine love and respect were shown. A simple gathering where family share stories, a favourite song played through a phone speaker, grandchildren reading a poem — these moments cost nothing but mean everything.
Do not let anyone make you feel that spending more money equals more love. It does not. What matters is that your family is cared for, that the process is handled respectfully, and that you can say goodbye in a way that feels right.
Lock In Today's Prices
Prepaid funeral plans start from $4,555 and lock in today's prices permanently. Your family pays nothing further when the time comes. WA Seniors Card holders receive a $250 discount when planning in person.
Explore Prepaid OptionsMore Information for Pensioners & Families
Need to Talk It Through?
Kylie and Ann are available to answer your questions honestly, with no pressure. Whether you are planning ahead or need help now — we are here.If your loved one has just passed away and you need immediate assistance, you can call us at any time (24/7) and we will organise to bring them into our care straight away.
Call 1300 69 79 89