Centrelink bereavement support in Australia

If your partner or a family member dies and they were receiving Centrelink payments, you may be entitled to bereavement support. Here is what is available and how to access it.

Partner bereavement payment

If your partner was receiving an income support payment from Centrelink — such as the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or Carer Payment — you may be entitled to a Bereavement Payment.

This typically covers up to 14 weeks of the combined payment you and your partner were receiving, minus what you would normally receive on your own. It is designed to give you time to adjust your finances without an immediate loss of income.

To claim, call Services Australia on 132 300 as soon as possible after the death. Claims should be made within 14 weeks of the death to receive the full entitlement.

If you are not receiving a Centrelink payment yourself

If you were not already on a Centrelink payment and your partner has died, you may now be eligible for income support in your own right. Depending on your age, assets, and circumstances, you might qualify for the Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment, or another payment. Call 132 300 to discuss your situation.

Superannuation death benefits

Super does not automatically form part of the deceased's estate. Instead, it is paid directly to nominated beneficiaries or at the trustee's discretion. Contact each super fund promptly — they will provide a death benefit claim form.

The tax treatment of the death benefit depends on the relationship between the deceased and the recipient, and whether the super was in the taxable or tax-free component. A financial adviser or accountant can help clarify what tax applies in your situation.

Department of Veterans' Affairs

If the deceased was a veteran, DVA has separate bereavement support available:

• War Widow/Widower's Pension: available to the surviving partner of a veteran whose death is accepted as service-related
• Income Support Supplement: for surviving partners receiving the War Widow/Widower's Pension who need additional income support
• Funeral Benefit: available in certain circumstances — see the funeral costs guide for details

Call DVA on 1800 555 254 or visit dva.gov.au.

What to have ready when you call

• Your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN)
• The deceased's CRN (if known)
• Certified copy of the death certificate
• Your bank account details for direct deposit
• Details of any assets, income, or property in your name