Who Pays for a Funeral
When Someone Passes Away?
Funeral costs are typically paid from the person's estate first. If there are insufficient funds, the person who arranged the funeral becomes responsible. Government assistance is available for families experiencing financial hardship.
Call 1300 69 79 89When someone passes away, one of the first questions families face is who is responsible for paying for the funeral. This page explains the order of responsibility, your options if funds are limited, and the government assistance available in Western Australia.
Who Pays — In Order of Responsibility
While there is no law in Australia that forces anyone to pay for a funeral, there is a practical order of responsibility.
The Person's Estate
Money in bank accounts, assets, and investments are used first to pay funeral costs. Funeral expenses are considered a priority debt of the estate — paid before most other debts or inheritances.
The Person Who Arranged the Funeral
If you sign a funeral contract, you become legally responsible for payment — regardless of whether the estate has funds.
Spouse or De Facto Partner
Often takes responsibility as the closest family member.
Adult Children
May share costs between them.
Parents
If the person who passed away was unmarried without children.
Siblings or Extended Family
Less common, but may step in when no closer family is available.
Whoever signs the funeral contract becomes legally liable for the costs. If you are arranging a funeral for someone else and the estate has limited funds, discuss this with the funeral director first. At Greenfields — a family-owned funeral home in Port Kennedy — we are transparent about costs and can help you find an option that works for your situation.
Paying from the Person's Estate
Bank Accounts
Banks will typically release funds to pay funeral costs before probate is granted. You will usually need a copy of the death certificate, a copy of the funeral invoice, and identification of the person requesting the release.
Insurance Policies
Check for life insurance policies, funeral insurance or funeral bonds, accidental death cover, and insurance through superannuation. Some policies pay out quickly (within days), while others may take weeks. Contact the insurance company directly with the death certificate.
Superannuation Death Benefits
Many Australians have significant superannuation balances that can be used to pay for funerals. However, there are important things to understand.
Super is not available immediately — it can take weeks to months to access.
Amounts can be substantial — often $50,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on insurance within the super.
Beneficiary rules apply — super goes to nominated beneficiaries or dependants.
Families often pay upfront — then get reimbursed from the super payout later.
If you are expecting a super death benefit but need to pay funeral costs now, consider using other estate funds temporarily or choosing a straightforward option like direct cremation from $4,260.
Government Assistance Available
Several government programs can help with funeral costs in Western Australia.
Centrelink Bereavement Payment
Available if the person's partner was on a Centrelink pension. Paid as a lump sum.
Full details and eligibilityWA Bereavement Assistance Program
For WA residents experiencing financial hardship. Provides partial assistance towards funeral costs.
Phone: 1800 854 925
DVA Funeral Benefit
For eligible veterans. Can be paid directly to the funeral director.
Veterans' funeral benefits in WAStillborn Baby Payment
For families who have had a stillborn baby.
Baby and child funeral supportWhat If No One Can Pay?
If there is no money in the estate and family members cannot afford funeral costs, you have several options.
Choose a straightforward service
A dignified farewell does not have to be expensive. Direct cremation — a simple cremation without a formal service — costs from $4,260 at Greenfields. This is significantly lower than the average funeral cost of $10,000–$15,000.
Apply for government assistance
Contact the WA Bereavement Assistance Program on 1800 854 925. They may provide partial funding towards the funeral.
Community support
Some organisations may help, including The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society, RSL (for veterans and their families), trade unions (if the person was a member), and crowdfunding platforms.
As a last resort, if absolutely no one can pay, the state will arrange a basic funeral. However, families have no control over the arrangements. Before it reaches that point, please call us — our direct cremation from $4,260 is often achievable even when funds are very limited.
Our guide to affordable funerals in Perth walks through every option from $4,260, explains what is genuinely included in each price, and lists the financial assistance available to WA families — including Centrelink, DVA, and superannuation.
The Best Way to Avoid This Question
A prepaid funeral means your family never faces this question. You lock in today's prices, your wishes are documented, and prepaid funerals are exempt from the Centrelink asset test.
Prepaid plans start from $4,555.
Explore Prepaid OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I be forced to pay for a relative's funeral?
No. In Australia, there is no law that automatically makes family members responsible for funeral costs. However, if you arrange the funeral and sign the contract, you become liable. If you are concerned about costs, speak with the funeral director before signing anything.
What if siblings disagree about who should pay?
This is common. It is best to have an open conversation early. Some families split costs evenly, others contribute based on their means, and sometimes one person pays and seeks reimbursement from the estate. A funeral director can provide a clear invoice to help with these discussions.
Can funeral costs be claimed from the estate before probate?
Yes. Funeral costs are considered a priority and can be claimed before probate is finalised. Banks will often release funds specifically for funeral costs with appropriate documentation.
What is the most affordable funeral option?
Direct cremation is the most affordable option — a simple, dignified cremation without a formal service. At Greenfields, this costs from $4,260 including all professional services, cremation fees, and return of ashes. Full details about direct cremation.
Does funeral insurance cover the full cost?
Not always. Funeral insurance pays a set amount (typically $5,000–$15,000) regardless of actual funeral costs. If your chosen funeral costs more than the payout, the balance must be paid. If it costs less, the family keeps the difference. Compare your options in our prepaid funeral vs insurance guide.
More Information for Families
Unsure What You Can Afford?
If someone has passed away and you need help now, call any time — we are here around the clock. For questions about costs or planning ahead, Kylie and Ann are available during business hours and will give you clear, upfront pricing with no pressure.
Call 1300 69 79 89