When a loved one passes away, the emotional burden can be particularly overbearing. And while we can draw comfort from the fact that other members of the family will be there to support us, the prospect of being under financial strain is yet another concern that dawns over us. With that said, it’s important to realise that in certain instances the Government offers assistance to those in need. This assistance is typically to those who were receiving a social government payment when their loved one passed away, providing support for a defined period after their death.
Babies and Infants
In the unfortunate event that a baby (including stillborn) passes away, parents and carers have means to receive support through various mechanisms. These include the Newborn Supplement, Newborn Upfront Payment, Family Tax Bereavement Payment, Stillborn Baby Payment, and Parental Leave. Disbursements will be considered against the level of family income.
Dependent Children
Bereavement payments are also accessible to parents or carers of a dependent child and/or one who was less than 20 years old and still in high school. If you were receiving tax payments through a child who has passed away, the payments will be sustained for an additional 14 weeks after their death. This includes but is not limited to payments such as Parenting Payment, Family Tax Benefit, Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance, and Carer Payment.
Couples
There are a variety of provisions for a surviving spouse or partner to have access to financial support. As with other examples illustrated above, those acting as a carer to support their loved one will maintain access to Carer Payments and Carer Allowances for 14 weeks after the death. Pensioners will also receive access to the full, final payment intended for their loved one, while any single allowances paid out to a loved one may provide a dependent access to claim it as an entitlement of their estate. Other instances where support may be offered include couples who received dual recipient payments for over a year, the Partner Allowance or Wife Pension, deferred Age Pension (before the bonus was claimed), the Veteran Affairs Bonus Scheme, and more.
Where there is an urgent and apparent need for financial support, some people may be granted early compassionate access to their superannuation to cover immediate expenses and needs. If in any doubt, you should reach out to the Department of Human Services, who will be able to provide further guidance and clarity on individual matters. Among the various departments and agencies that must be informed of a death are Centrelink, Child Support Services and the Department of Veteran Affairs.
