What is the Application Process for a Destitute Funeral?

To apply for a Destitute Funeral, you must demonstrate that neither you nor your loved one has the financial means to arrange a funeral or a cremation-only (also known as a Direct Cremation).

You may need to submit financial records for both yourself and your loved one to verify hardship.

In some cases, extended family members have the ability to contribute but choose not to, often due to past conflicts. However, public funding for Destitute Funerals is limited and intended for those with no other options. If a family has financial resources available, is it fair for hospitals, for example, to cover the cost when those funds could instead be used to support patients in need?

Who should I contact to apply for a Destitute Funeral?

Approval must come from the appropriate authority, depending on where the person passed away. Normally, the next of kin makes these arrangements.

• If the person passed away in a hospital, contact the hospital’s social work department. (If the person is already in the care of a funeral director, a Destitute Funeral cannot be arranged through the hospital. It is unclear whether other options for a Destitute Funeral exist in such a scenario, but this would need to be discussed with the funeral director).

• If the person was taken to the Department of Forensic Medicine in a particular location, call 1300 679 272 and ask to speak with a social worker. (Please note that Forensic Medicine in Newcastle is not part of John Hunter Hospital, though they are on the same site).

• If the person passed away in the community, such as in an aged care facility or private home, call 1300 066 055 to be directed to your local Public Health Unit. (Up until February 2025, the NSW Police assisted with these matters).

Can I choose my own funeral director for a Destitute Funeral?

No. Families cannot select their own funeral director or arrange a funeral and be reimbursed by the NSW government. Only funeral directors with a government contract can provide this service.

What happens in a Destitute Funeral?

Most Destitute Funerals are cremation-only, with no ceremony beforehand. Ashes are returned to the family by arrangement with the funeral director.

Burials are much less common and, in practice, are only permitted for cultural reasons. However, they come with significant disadvantages:

• The person may be placed in a shared grave with three to five others buried, in time.

• A gravestone is usually not permitted, as it would require inscriptions for multiple individuals.

• These graves are typically located in an out-of-the-way section of the cemetery.

• Transferring a loved one to another grave in time may be legally impossible or too costly to arrange.

What Are Some Meaningful Ways to Honour a Loved One when you’ve arranged a Destitute Funeral?

Families sometimes hold a memorial service, structured like a funeral but without the presence of a coffin. This could be arranged through a local church, perhaps at no cost or a reduced donation. Others prefer an informal gathering.

See more options after the cremation.

Are there alternatives to a Destitute Funeral, if I have limited funds?

If a Destitute Funeral is not available or suitable, there may be other options.

Marc and Friends is able to offer some families families with limited means a significantly reduced fee through a Care Fund Funeral — learn more.

And if needed, here are some of the means of raising funds:

• Community fundraising – Some families successfully raise funds through their church or platforms like GoFundMe or cultural associations.

• Discounts and Payment Plans – Some funeral directors may offer reduced pricing or flexible payment options to help manage costs. However, certain expenses, such as cemetery or crematorium fees, often need to be paid upfront.

• Centrelink Bereavement Payment – Eligible individuals may receive financial assistance to cover funeral expenses.

• Bank account funds – Some funds from a deceased person's bank account may be used to pay for funeral arrangements.

• Early Access to Super – If you have a superannuation fund, you may be eligible to access some funds early to help cover funeral costs.

• Life Insurance through Super – If your loved one had a super fund and life insurance arranged by their fund, a payout may be available.

• Aboriginal Land Council assistance – In some cases, Aboriginal Land Councils may provide financial support. However, in our experience, they typically contribute up to $1,000.

See here for more details and other options on how to fund a funeral.

Key Takeaways

Marc and Friends does not provide Destitute Funerals but offers this guide to help families understand the process. These services are only available through government-contracted funeral directors.

For families with limited funds, other options including a Care Fund Funeral through Marc and Friends, community fundraising, cultural or religious support, and Centrelink benefits.