Payment rates

This payment rate of Bereavement Payment is effective from 1 January 2012.

Single pensioners

When a single pensioner dies, their estate may be entitled to the payment for the entitlement period in which they died. This final payment is usually credited to the deceased person's bank account, which can then be accessed by the executor of their estate.

Single allowance customers

When a single allowance customer (e.g. Newstart Allowance, Widow Allowance) dies their estate may be entitled to payment up to their date of death.

Members of a couple

If your partner dies you may qualify for a lump sum Bereavement Payment, usually equal to the amount you would have received jointly less your single rate for up to 14 weeks. The amount paid depends on your individual circumstances.

Carer Allowance

The National Carer Strategy, announced on 3 August 2011, includes an initiative to extend eligibility for Bereavement Allowance to more Carer Allowance customers. For more information refer to the National Carer Strategy - frequently asked questions page.

Carer Payment

If you received Carer Payment for a person who dies, you may receive Carer Payment for up to 14 weeks after the person's death. You may also receive a lump sum Bereavement Payment.

Payments for children

In the unfortunate event of stillbirth or infant death, you may be eligible to receive Maternity Immunisation Allowance, and Baby Bonus or Parental Leave Pay. You may also return to work if you choose, and continue to receive Parental Leave Pay.

If you are eligible for Family Tax Benefit for a child who dies, you may receive up to 14 weeks of Family Tax Benefit payment after your child’s death.

If you received Parenting Payment and your only qualifying child has died, you may receive Parenting Payment for up to 14 weeks.

If you received Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance and your only qualifying child dies, you will keep the high rate of payment, concessions and activity test reductions for up to 14 weeks after your child’s death.

If you received Carer Allowance and Family Tax Benefit for a child who dies, you may receive all child-related bereavement payments, including Carer Allowance, for up to 14 weeks after the child dies.

If you received Double Orphan Pension and Family Tax Benefit for a child who dies, you may receive Bereavement Payment for up to 14 weeks after the child’s death. If you did not get Family Tax Benefit for the child, you may receive up to 4 weeks of payment after the child’s death.

More information

• Bereavement Payment section
• Paid Parental Leave scheme for working parents section

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