Australian Government Services

If someone has a terminal illness with less than 3 months to live, they may be eligible for the End-of-Life Pathway through My Aged Care. This provides up to $25,000 of support over 12 weeks — including personal care, equipment, respite, and support for the family.

• Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
• Ask specifically about the "End-of-Life Pathway"
• A doctor or specialist needs to confirm the prognosis
• Support can include nursing, personal care, equipment, and family respite
• The assessment is fast-tracked — you should not have to wait weeks

If you were receiving a Centrelink payment (or your partner was), you may be entitled to continued payments during a bereavement period. Call 13 23 00 and tell them someone has died. Ask about: bereavement period extension of existing payments, any lump-sum bereavement payment, and changes to your current entitlements.

Deaths must be registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state where the person died. The funeral director usually does this, but you can do it yourself. You will need the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The official death certificate takes 4-6 weeks, and each copy costs a fee that differs by state. Order extras.

Notify Medicare when someone dies (part of the Services Australia call to 13 23 00). If the deceased had a My Health Record, it is automatically closed after the death is registered. You can request access to the record for a limited period if needed for medical or legal purposes.

If the deceased was a veteran or DVA cardholder, call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372). Dependants may be eligible for: War Widow/Widower Pension, bereavement payments, funeral cost assistance, and ongoing health care through DVA.

When someone dies, their Centrelink payments stop. But changes flow on: if a partner dies, the surviving partner may move from a couples rate to a singles rate (which is higher). Carer Payment/Allowance stops but you may qualify for other payments. Always ring 13 23 00 to check what you are now entitled to.

• Centrelink Bereavement Payment may help with costs
• Some super funds release early for funeral expenses
• Banks can release funds from the deceased account directly to the funeral director
• State government destitute funeral schemes exist for those who truly cannot pay
• Some community and religious organisations offer financial assistance

If the death was caused by a crime (homicide, manslaughter, dangerous driving), the family may be eligible for Victims of Crime compensation. Each state has its own scheme and application process. Start with your state Victims of Crime agency — they provide free support and can help with applications.