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.

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.