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How much Bereavement Payment do I get?

This payment rate is effective from 20 September 2008.

• For Pensioners
• For Carers
• For Allowees
• If your child has died

For Pensioners

If you were both getting a pension, you will get a lump sum bereavement payment. The lump sum is made up of up to seven payments of the difference between the amount you both got and the single rate you will be paid (where the new single rate is less than the combined 'partnered' rate).

The same arrangements apply if your partner was getting an allowance (such as Newstart Allowance) for at least 12 months.

If you were both getting a pension and your new single rate of pension is more than the amount you both got as a couple, there is no lump sum payment. However, the new single rate is paid from the date of death.

When a single pensioner dies, the estate may be eligible to a bereavement payment in the form of the person's final income support instalment.

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For Carers

If you were getting Carer Payment (adult) or Carer Payment (child), you will continue to be eligible for the pension for up to seven pay periods after the person you were caring for has died. In most cases, you will be able to get a lump sum payment if the person you were caring for was single. If the person you were caring for was partnered, you will only be entitled to a lump sum under certain circumstances.

If you were getting Carer Allowance because you care for an adult, you are not entitled to any Bereavement Payment.

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For Allowees

If your partner had been getting an allowance or pension for a minimum of 12 months and you have been getting Youth Allowance, Newstart Allowance, Sickness Allowance, Partner Allowance, Parenting Payment (Partnered) or Special Benefit for a minimum of 12 months, you are eligible to get a lump sum bereavement payment. The lump sum is made up of the equivalent of up to seven payments of the difference between the amount you both got and the single rate you will be paid (where the new single rate is less than the combined 'partnered' rate).

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If your child has died

If you have a stillborn child or your child dies shortly after birth, you can get Baby Bonus and Maternity Immunisation Allowance.

Your Family Tax Benefit may continue to be paid for 14 weeks if your child has died shortly after birth. If you have been getting a direct payment of Family Tax Benefit you have the option of getting this bereavement assistance as a lump sum, or continuing fortnightly instalments during that period, as if the child had not died. If you claimed Family Tax Benefit through the tax system, you have a choice of claiming the 14 week bereavement period payment at the end of the year on your tax return, or by lodging a bereavement claim (form FA008) for immediate payment. If you were getting Parenting Payment (Single) and your only qualifying child has died, you may continue to get paid for 14 weeks after the child's death.

If you were getting Carer Allowance for a child who has died, you are entitled to a bereavement payment of up to seven payments of Carer Allowance. If you were not eligible to get Family Tax Benefit for the child you may get two fortnightly payments of Carer Allowance after the child's death. The amount of bereavement payment will depend on the age of the child and the care arrangements that were in place.

If you were getting Double Orphan Pension for a child who has died and were getting Family Tax Benefit for that child, you are entitled to a bereavement payment of up to seven payments of Double Orphan Pension. If you were not eligible to get Family Tax Benefit for the child, you may get two fortnightly payments of Double Orphan Pension after the child's death.

If you were getting Partner Allowance, Carer Payment (adult), Parenting Payment (Single), Parenting Payment (Partnered) or Wife Pension, you need to think about what financial support you may be able to get at the end of the 14 weeks. Centrelink has Social Workers who can discuss your options with you.

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