A deceased person’s bank account can often be accessed for funeral expenses by presenting a funeral director’s invoice. Banks allow this without requiring probate.

Banks require at least a funeral directors’ tax invoice. Here is a list of the requirements of some banks:

ANZ

CBA

Greater Bank

NAB

Newcastle Permament

Westpac

Tips for Accessing Funeral Funds from a Bank

• Bank tellers may not be familiar with their policies and could request unnecessary documents. Have the relevant web page ready to show them.

• A final pension payment is usually processed after death. If needed, wait until this payment is received before presenting the invoice. Check the current pension payment schedule, if required.

Notifying Centrelink

It is important to notify Centrelink of the death of your loved one sooner, rather than later. They do not require a copy of the death certificate to update their records but, rather the Advice of death form (SA116).

A final pension payment is usually processed after the death of a loved one — see the “Your Loved One’s Bank Account article” for more information.

If Your Loved One was Your Partner

You may receive a lump sum bereavement payment of up to 14 weeks and additional benefits, if eligible. To learn more, go to Services Australia.

If You Cared for Your Loved One

If you were a carer for the person who passed away, you may be eligible for financial assistance for up to 14 weeks after their death. This support can be provided as a lump sum or in regular payments, depending on your circumstances. Go to Services Australia to find out more.

If Your Loved One was Single

Unfortunately, there are no extra lump sum payments available when a single person passes away.

Mutual Obligations

For JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment and Special Benefit there is a period of exemptions from mutual obligations. See more at Services Australia.

Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment

The Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment is a lump sum payment available to the partner of a loved one who was a Pension Bonus Scheme member but did not successfully claim their bonus.

Although new registrations for the Pension Bonus Scheme are no longer accepted, if your partner was already a member, you may still be eligible to apply for this payment.

The amount paid ranges from $1,675.10 to $55,411.60, depending on the specific circumstances. For more details, visit Services Australia – Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment.

Cremation-Only and a Memorial Service

If you’re facing financial constraints, one option to consider is a cremation-only service, also known as direct cremation. This is a simple arrangement where the cremation takes place without a formal ceremony beforehand. The cost can be a third of the price of a traditional funeral where the coffin is present at the service.

Marc has often counselled families in this position to explore cremation-only, as it allows for greater flexibility. You can still hold a memorial service at a later time — whether in a church, at home, or in a favourite place — in a way that feels most fitting.

It’s also worth noting that prices for direct cremation can vary significantly, sometimes by several thousand dollars, even when the service provided is essentially the same. If cost is a concern, comparing prices between funeral providers can make a meaningful difference.

Small Funeral Chapel Service with Cremation

Sometimes, the least expensive funeral is one held in a funeral director’s chapel. While numbers may be limited, this option can provide significant cost savings compared to hiring an external venue.

Crematorium Funeral Service vs Church Service with Unattended Cremation

A church service followed by an unattended cremation is often more affordable than holding the service at a crematorium.

• Church services typically allow more time without additional fees.

• Crematoriums charge extra for longer services.

If you prefer a crematorium service, some providers — including Marc & Friends — offer lower costs if the coffin is in place before the service begins, reducing time constraints and additional charges.

Funeral and Burial

The key to saving on a burial is to compare cemetery prices in the region. Consider the total cost — including the grave purchase and grave-digging fees — as prices can vary widely.

Photos and Memorabilia Instead of Flowers

Floral arrangements can be beautiful but costly. If you have limited means, consider personal alternatives, such as decorating the coffin with photos, letters, or memorabilia that reflect the life of your loved one.

Some funeral directors offer discounts or flexible payment terms based on individual circumstances.

At Marc and Friends, we provide a significant discount for families facing financial distress when referred by a social worker, pastor, or aged care staff member. If you or someone you know may need this support, please reach out to us for more information.

If you need urgent financial assistance, you may be able to access your own superannuation under the Early Access to Superannuation scheme. The ATO allows this only under specific conditions, including for the funeral of a dependent (such as a spouse).

It is not possible to access a loved one's superannuation directly to pay for funeral costs. Based on our experience, the process of claiming superannuation benefits can take several months.

However, about 10 million super funds have life insurance policies and may provide a substantial payout. if available. Contact the super fund to check eligibility and processing times.

There are various resources on GoFundMe about raising funds for a funeral, but this page offers some of the most practical advice.

Before setting up a fundraiser, it’s important to consider what the greatest need is: the funeral itself or financial support for the family. If your loved one was an income earner, their passing may leave a significant financial gap. In some cases, ensuring ongoing financial stability for the family may be a higher priority than the funeral expenses.

If you decide to start a fundraiser, here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Be clear about the purpose – whether covering funeral costs, ongoing living expenses, or both, transparency helps build trust.

• Share their story – a heartfelt and genuine tribute helps people understand why their support matters.

• Use photos and updates – regular updates and meaningful images can encourage donations and sharing.

• Be mindful of fees – while GoFundMe does not charge a platform fee, standard payment processing fees still apply.

In the past, families would occasionally arrange a donation for funeral costs through St Vincent de Paul or Anglicare, respectively. However, this is much less common now. 

For an eligible veteran or dependant, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs pays a Funeral Benefit of up to $2000 towards funeral costs. 

Members of an RSL Sub-branch may receive an additional benefit. 

If the veteran’s passing is accepted under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) and other conditions are met, the current maximum amount payable on funeral expenses is $14,639.09.

Some unions also offer a funeral benefit (sometimes known as a mortality benefit) for eligible members. For example, SDA NSW/ACT provides $2,000 and ETU NSW gives grant of $7,000, respectively. 

In some cases, Aboriginal Land Councils may provide financial support. In our experience, they typically contribute up to $1,000.

In many communities, cultural associations play a vital role in supporting families with funeral costs. Our experience has shown that these groups can encourage community contributions, easing the financial burden on the family.

In some cases, families with limited means have been able to arrange elaborate funerals, simply because many people have given small but meaningful contributions. If your loved one was part of a cultural, religious, or community group, it may be worth reaching out to see if support is available.