The Centrelink Bereavement Payment is a financial support measure the Australian government provides to assist individuals who have lost a close family member. This payment aims to help with immediate financial needs during a period of bereavement, alleviating the burden of sudden expenses such as funeral costs and helping stabilise the bereaved family’s financial situation. This Centrelink payment is part of the department’s broader suite of bereavement support services, designed to provide financial and emotional support during this challenging time.
Bereavement can impose significant financial stress on individuals and families, especially when the deceased was a primary income earner or caregiver. The Centrelink Bereavement Payment helps to bridge the gap between the immediate financial needs following a death and the time it takes to adjust to new financial circumstances. This payment is essential to Australia’s social security framework, ensuring that those left behind are not left without support.
Australia Bereavement Payment Eligibility Criteria
- The payment is available to the deceased’s spouse, de facto partner, or carer.
- The claimant must have received an income support payment from Centrelink before the death occurred.
- Claims must be submitted within 26 weeks of the death.
In addition, specific eligibility criteria apply based on the type of payment the deceased was receiving, such as Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or Carer Payment.
Centrelink Bereavement Application Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
To apply for the Bereavement Payment, you will need the following documents:
- Proof of the deceased’s birth date and date of death.
- Your bank account details.
- Proof of your relationship to the deceased (e.g., marriage certificate or proof of a de facto relationship).
- Any other documents specified by Centrelink, depending on your specific circumstances.
Step 2: Submit the Claim
You can submit your claim in several ways:
- Online: Through your MyGov account linked to Centrelink.
- By Mail: Send your completed claim form and supporting documents to Centrelink.
- In Person: Visit a Centrelink service centre to submit your claim.
Step 3: Identity Verification
Centrelink will require you to verify your identity as part of the application process. Ensure that all necessary documents are provided to avoid delays.
Step 4: Follow Up
After submitting your claim, you may need to follow up with Centrelink if additional information is required or to check the status of your claim. Centrelink will notify you of the outcome and payment details once your claim is processed.
Required Documents
To complete your application, you will need to provide several key documents:
- Official documents proving the birth date and death of the deceased.
- Information about your bank account for the payment deposit.
- Documents include marriage certificates, proof of a de facto relationship, or evidence of your role as a carer.
Bereavement Payment Amount
The amount of the Centrelink Bereavement Payment varies based on the specific circumstances of the deceased and the claimant:
For Partners
If your partner dies and receives an income support payment, you may receive a lump sum equal to 14 weeks of the deceased’s pension. This includes their base pension rate and any additional supplements they were entitled to.
For Carers
If you receive a Carer Payment and the person you were caring for dies, you may receive a lump sum equal to 7 or 14 weeks of your Carer Payment, depending on your situation. This payment will give you time to transition to other income support options.
For Parents
If you were receiving a Parenting Payment and your child dies, you may receive a bereavement payment based on your circumstances and the benefits you were receiving.
Additional Support and Services
Centrelink provides various forms of support in addition to the Bereavement Payment:
- Carer Allowance and Carer Payment: Carers who lose the person they cared for may continue to receive payments for up to 14 weeks following the death.
- Single Pensioner Support: When a single pensioner dies, payments to their estate may be made, with final payments accessed through the deceased’s bank account.
- Counselling and Support Services: Various resources, such as the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement and Lifeline, offer emotional support and counselling during bereavement.