Where can I get money to pay for the funeral?

Your loved one’s estate

Funeral costs are often paid for by your loved one’s estate, so it is important that you research the value of your loved one’s estate as soon as possible.

Your loved one’s bank account and other finances become part of their estate when they die, meaning that you cannot access them, or use their ATM card, until their will has been through a legal process called probate. If your loved one had sufficient funds in their account, funeral expenses can eventually be reclaimed from the bank via the estate. You will need to show the bank a copy of the death certificate issued after your loved one’s death was registered.

If you held a joint account with your loved one, you will still be able to access your account.

You should notify the bank as soon as possible when a loved one dies.

Some funeral directors will allow payment to be delayed until your loved one’s assets have been unfrozen. In the event that this doesn’t happen, or your loved one’s estate cannot cover the cost of the funeral, other payment options need to be explored.

Insurance or pre-paid funeral plans

Health or life insurance may help to pay for funeral costs. Evidence of these payment schemes should appear in your loved one’s bank account, as they often require monthly instalments. Also details of these accounts are often shared with those closest to the account holder, or referred to in the will. Call the insurance plan provider as soon as possible to find out if assistance is available.

Pre-paid funeral plans are another way to cover the cost of a funeral. If your loved one told you about a pre-paid plan, contact the plan provider as soon as possible to begin funeral arrangements. If you suspect that your loved one did have pre-paid funeral plan, but you are not sure who the provider is, details may have been left with their solicitor, or mentioned in their will.

Government assistance

After the death of a loved one, you may be entitled to financial support from the Australian Government, depending on your circumstances. These payments may help you pay for funeral expenses. Government assistance available includes:

• Bereavement Allowance for recently widowed people
• Bereavement Payment after the death of a partner, child or dependant
• Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment for the surviving partner of someone who was a member of the Pension Bonus Scheme, but did not make a successful claim for the bonus
• Widow Allowance, sometimes called Widow’s Pension, for widowed women born before 1 July 1955 with no recent work experience
• Parental Leave Pay, Stillborn Baby Payment or Dad and Partner Pay if you have experienced a stillbirth or infant death
• Bereavement assistance from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs if your loved one was a veteran.

GET A QUOTE

About eziFunerals

eziFunerals supports individuals and families cope with end of life decisions, death and funerals. We are an independent, Australian-owned and operated company. We are not part of any other funeral company.

Our member Funeral Directors operate in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Australia wide. Thet are chosen for their knowledge, quality, service, personalisation and experience. They go above and beyond, and will take the time to support the family.

For more information or to make contact with a trusted Independent funeral director, call eziFunerals on 1300 236 402 or visit www.ezifunerals.com.au.

Peter Erceg

Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.