Centrelink Bereavement Payments — What You Are Entitled To

Dealing with Centrelink after a death is rarely anyone's priority. But notifying Services Australia promptly — and understanding what you may be entitled to — can make a meaningful difference during a financially difficult time.

Notify Centrelink immediately

The first step is to notify Centrelink of the death. This is important regardless of whether the deceased was receiving payments. Call 132 300 or visit a service centre. You will need: the deceased's full name, date of birth, and Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) if known.

Centrelink will cancel any payments the deceased was receiving. If payments are not cancelled promptly, overpayments may be raised against the estate and will need to be repaid.

Bereavement payment — if you were their partner

If you were the partner of the person who died and you were both receiving an income support payment (such as Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or Carer Payment), you may be entitled to a bereavement payment.

This is typically a lump sum equivalent to approximately 14 weeks of your combined couple payment, minus what you will receive as a single person over that period. It is designed to give you time to adjust your finances without an immediate reduction in income.

Bereavement allowance

Bereavement Allowance was a short-term payment for recently widowed people who were not receiving another income support payment. As of recent years it has been replaced by Widow Allowance and other payments — the available options depend on your age, circumstances, and what other support you may be receiving. Contact Centrelink directly to understand what applies to your situation.

Carer payment — if you were caring for the person

If you were receiving Carer Payment for the person who died, that payment will continue for up to 14 weeks after the death. This is called the bereavement continuation period and is intended to give carers time to adjust.

Family Tax Benefit

If you received Family Tax Benefit for a child who has died, you may be entitled to a bereavement payment. Contact Centrelink as soon as possible.

How to claim

Call Centrelink on 132 300 and explain your situation. They will guide you through the relevant claim form. You will generally need: the death certificate, your own identity documents, and details of the deceased's income and assets if they were receiving means-tested payments.