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14 Your right to support when someone has died

Losing someone close is very difficult. For that reason, it is important that you are aware of the services and supports that are available when you are bereaved.

This chapter provides information about the services that can assist you after the loss of a loved one.

14.1 Income support after bereavement

Financial support is available to eligible people to assist with the financial adjustment required when a partner or person in your care is lost.

You may be eligible to receive Bereavement Allowance for up to 14 weeks after the death of your partner. This payment may be received instead of your usual income support payment. To be eligible to receive Bereavement Allowance, you must meet an income and assets test.

You may be eligible to receive Bereavement Payment if you received an eligible payment from Centrelink or the Department of Veteran’s Affairs at the time of the person’s death. Bereavement Payment is usually paid as a lump sum. You may be eligible to receive Bereavement Payment if you are receiving Carer Payment and the person you were caring for dies. Other eligibility criteria also apply.

Women born on or before 1 July 1955 with no recent workforce experience may be eligible to receive a fortnightly Widow Allowance if they become widowed, divorced or separated after age 40. You must meet an income and assets test as well as residency requirements.

Where to go for more information

Phone Centrelink on 13 23 00 for information about the Bereavement Payment and the Bereavement Allowance.

Phone Centrelink on 13 23 00 for information about Widow Allowance. Visit www.humanservices.gov.au for more information.

Where to go for help

For legal advice contact a welfare rights centre in your state or territory.

ACT
Social Security and Tenant’s Advice Line, Welfare Rights and Legal Centre ACT
02 6218 7977
NSW
Welfare Rights Centre Sydney
1800 226 028 or 02 9211 5300
NT
Darwin Community Legal Centre
1800 812 953 or 08 8982 1111
Qld
07 3421 2510
 
Townsville Community Legal Centre
07 4721 5511
SA
08 8223 1338 or 1800 246 287
Tas
03 6223 2500
Vic
Social Security Rights Victoria
03 9481 0355 or 1800 094 164
 
Barwon Community Legal Centre, Geelong
03 5221 4744
Vic
Rural
Social Security Rights Victoria
1800 094 164
WA
08 9328 1751

 

14.2 Grief and counselling

Emotional support services are available for people who need counselling after someone close has died.

Counselling services can be provided over the phone and in person. Some of these are available for free.

If you are a Centrelink customer, you can speak to a social worker from Department of Human Services’ Social Work Services. They can offer referrals to other support services and short-term counselling.

If you need a referral to a counselling service, speak to your doctor.

Where to go for more information

For more resources on grief online, visit the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement www.grief.org.au.

To speak to a social worker from the Department of Human Services’ Social Work Services call 132 850 or make an appointment to see a social worker at your local DHS Service Centre.

Where to go for help

To access counselling services directly, phone:

  • Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14;
  • Department of Human Services on 132 850;
  • MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978; or
  • Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.