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Support for you after someone dies:Adjusting to life after you have lost someone close is never easy. There is a lot of help available to assist you to make the necessary adjustments. GrievingGrieving is a natural part of losing someone close to you, so adjusting to your new circumstances may take time. Counsellors can often help people who are grieving. Centrelink Social Workers can refer you to grief counselling. Counsellors can also be contacted through organisations like:
Ministers of religion can also help you cope with grief. Many funeral directors also offer sessions to help with grief. They can also arrange for you to view the body. Some people find this can help them come to terms with the loss. It gives you the chance to say your personal goodbyes. It can also help if you see the person who has died is now at peace, especially if they were suffering before they died. [ return to top ] LonelinessIt may seem difficult at first to fit into social groups and activities. You may or may not want people around you. [ return to top ] HealthTaking care with your diet and exercise can help you re-establish a routine. Visits by a community nurse can be arranged if necessary. Many community groups or local councils can arrange services to help care for your house or garden. Not all of these services are free, however, and some may be provided only after your needs have been assessed. [ return to top ] HousingYou might want to stay in your family home. However, if this is difficult, think about all the options carefully before you decide on a change. Moving too quickly may not be the best solution for you in the longer term. It is a good idea to talk over the alternatives first. You can talk to a Centrelink Financial Information Service Officer who will give you information about how your decisions might affect any payments you receive. For more information about the Financial Information Service phone 13 2300. The Department of Family and Community Services booklets 'Moving House - Your Choices' and 'Home and Residence Choices for Older People' give you more information on this subject. Copies are available from your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre. [ return to top ] Financial assistanceIf you would like some help to work out a budget or manage your financial affairs, you can speak to a financial counsellor. To get in touch with a financial counsellor, you can contact:
If you are in financial trouble, financial counsellors can give you advice and help to stop the situation becoming more difficult. They can also talk to creditors on your behalf. Your bank manager, or the bank manager of the person who died, can also advise you if you have worries about financial matters. For more information phone the Public Trustee - look for the phone number in the White Pages. What if someone who dies has debts to be paid? Relatives and friends do not have to pay the debts of the person who has died unless the debts are in joint names. Debts can be paid from the estate - see 'The Will'. Rearranging your finances As a result of the death of a loved one, you may need to understand more about investments which you own. It is possible that as a result of a death you could be entitled to a superannuation payment. You need to contact the relevant superannuation organisation and find out what payments, if any, you could be entitled to. You would need to tell Centrelink of these details as it may have an effect on any payment to which you may be entitled. The Department of Family and Community Services has two booklets on investments called 'Investing Money - Your Choices' and 'Understanding Retirement Income Streams'. Copies are available from your Centrelink Financial Information Service Officer. [ return to top ] Did you find what you were looking for? You can also try the A-Z list, quick links, search, site help or send us feedback on how to make this a better website. |