New Zealand · Bereavement
How to Apply for a Funeral Grant in New Zealand
If you're struggling to cover funeral costs, Work and Income's Funeral Grant can contribute up to $2,697.43. Apply as early as possible — ideally before the funeral takes place. If you'd rather have a plan built around your situation, answer a few questions and we'll put one together →
Maximum grant
$2,697.43
Who administers it
Work and Income NZ
Means tested?
Yes — income and assets
When to apply
Before the funeral if possible
What is the Funeral Grant?
The Funeral Grant is a payment from Work and Income to help cover the cost of a funeral, burial, or cremation in New Zealand. It is not an automatic entitlement — it is means-tested, meaning your income and assets are taken into account. The grant won't necessarily cover the full cost of a funeral, but it can make a significant difference if finances are tight.
Who can apply?
You may be able to get a Funeral Grant if the person who died was:
- Your partner
- Your parent or guardian
- Your child, if they were under 18
- Someone over 18 and single (with or without children) whose funeral you're arranging
In every case, the person who died must have normally lived in New Zealand. If it was your partner or child, your own income and assets are also assessed. You don't need to be a Work and Income client to apply.
How much can you get?
The maximum grant is $2,697.43 (current rate, from 1 April 2026). The actual amount you receive depends on your income and assets. If you or the estate have savings or assets above a certain threshold, the grant may be reduced or declined.
ACC-covered deaths: If the death was caused by an accident, ACC may cover funeral costs separately — up to $8,236.40 (the amount changes each year and depends on the date of death) — and this does not go through Work and Income. Contact ACC on 0800 101 996 if this applies.
What you'll need
- The completed Funeral Grant application form (download it from workandincome.govt.nz)
- Confirmation of death — a death certificate, confirmation from the funeral director, or a newspaper death notice
- The itemised funeral account — and if it's already paid, the original receipt and proof of the bank account of the person who paid it
- Proof of who you are, such as a driver's licence or passport
- Details of income and assets, if Work and Income asks for them
How to apply
- 1 Download and complete the application form from workandincome.govt.nz — ideally before the funeral, once you have the funeral director's account. If you have questions first, call Work and Income on 0800 559 009.
- 2 Gather your documents — confirmation of death, the itemised funeral account (plus the receipt if it's paid), and proof of who you are. You may also be asked about income and assets.
- 3 Drop the form and documents off at a Work and Income service centre, or post them in. Find your nearest service centre.
- 4 Wait for a decision — if Work and Income can't confirm income or assets straight away, they may still pay the grant and check later. If it turns out you didn't meet the criteria, you'll have to pay it back.
Don't wait for the death certificate. You can start the application with a funeral quote and confirmation from the funeral director. The certificate can follow.
If you're declined
If your application is declined, you have the right to ask Work and Income to review the decision. Explain your circumstances clearly — in particular if there are costs or debts that weren't considered. You can also ask a Citizens Advice Bureau for free help with the review process.
Not sure what else needs doing?
The funeral grant is just one part of what needs to happen after someone dies. Our full guide covers every step — or answer a few questions and get a plan specific to your situation.