Centrelink bereavement payments: what surviving partners and carers can claim
When a partner, parent, or person you cared for passes away, several Centrelink payments may be available. Most surviving partners do not realise they can claim, and many wait too long. This guide covers each payment, who is eligible, and how to apply.
For the official source on every payment in this article, see Services Australia's "What help there is when an adult dies" page.
The big one: bereavement payment for surviving partners
If your partner was receiving Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, or certain other Centrelink payments, you may be entitled to a lump sum bereavement payment.
How it works:
- Both members of the couple were receiving payments at the time of death
- The surviving partner becomes eligible for an income support payment in their own right (or already is)
- Services Australia calculates the payment over a 14 week period from the date of death, broadly the difference between the couple combined rate and the new single rate
- That difference is paid to the surviving partner as a lump sum
The exact figure depends on the pension type, the rates at the time of death, and the surviving partner's circumstances. Services Australia calculates this when you notify them; you do not need to do the maths yourself.
For the official details, see the Services Australia "What help there is when an adult dies" page.
Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment
A separate payment for surviving partners of someone who registered for the Pension Bonus Scheme (a now-closed scheme that ran until 2014, but eligible registrants are still in the system).
If your partner was registered and had not yet claimed their bonus, you may be entitled to receive the bonus they would have been paid. This is a one-off lump sum, separate from the bereavement payment above.
Most families do not know about this. If your partner was a long-term Age Pension registrant or talked about a "pension bonus", ask Services Australia whether they are eligible.
Carer Payment continuation
If your partner was receiving Carer Payment for caring for someone, and that person passes away, the Carer Payment continues for up to 14 weeks. This gives you time to adjust without an immediate income drop.
If you were the carer and the person you cared for has passed away, the same 14-week continuation applies to your payment.
For more on Carer Payment after a loss, see the Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) which offers free counselling for bereaved carers.
Stillborn Baby Payment
A lump sum payment for parents of a stillborn baby. Eligibility:
- The baby was stillborn (delivered after 20 weeks of pregnancy or weighing more than 400g)
- The parent meets the income test
- The parent has not received Parental Leave Pay for the same child
The current rate is $4,326.57 (Services Australia, as at May 2026). The rate adjusts each year. Confirm the current figure with Services Australia before relying on it.
Specialist support for stillbirth and pregnancy loss:
- Red Nose Grief and Loss: 1300 308 307 (24/7)
- SANDS Australia: 1300 072 637 (24/7)
- Bears of Hope: 1300 11 HOPE
For more on perinatal loss, see our grief and support hub.
What if you were not on Centrelink before
If your partner passed away and neither of you were on Centrelink, you may still be eligible for an income support payment now. Common payments:
- Age Pension if you are over the qualifying age
- JobSeeker Payment if you are working age and need income support while you adjust
- Disability Support Pension if you have a permanent or long-term disability
- Carer Payment if you care for someone with a disability or medical condition
Some bereavement provisions apply for new claimants in the weeks after a loss. Speak with Services Australia about your specific situation.
How to apply
The Australian Death Notification Service (deathnotification.gov.au) is a free federal one-stop notifier that covers Centrelink, super funds, banks, insurers, and utilities through a single online form. Many families use this first.
For Centrelink-specific applications:
- By phone: 132 300 (Older Australians line, for Age Pension related bereavement) or 13 27 17 (Disability, Sickness and Carers line, for Carer Payment continuation and disability/illness payment matters). For other payment types, see servicesaustralia.gov.au/phone-us.
- In person: at any Services Australia service centre
- Online: through myGov, with a Centrelink-linked account
You will need:
- The death certificate or interim medical certificate of cause of death
- Proof of identity for yourself and the deceased
- Marriage or de facto relationship documentation (where relevant)
- Bank account details for payment
Notify Services Australia of the death as soon as practicable. The bereavement payment is calculated over a 14 week period from the date of death, but the claim itself can generally be submitted within 26 weeks (some bereavement payments allow up to 52 weeks; confirm the deadline for your specific payment with Services Australia).
What if Centrelink owes the deceased money
If your partner was owed Centrelink payments at the time of death (a payment had been calculated but not paid), the estate is entitled to receive those funds. The executor or administrator notifies Centrelink and provides estate documentation.
If the deceased was overpaid (a payment continued after eligibility ended), Centrelink may seek repayment from the estate. Speak with a wills and estates solicitor if a Centrelink debt is raised against the estate.
Frequently asked questions
What Centrelink bereavement payments can I claim?
Surviving partners of pension recipients can claim up to 14 weeks of pension as a lump sum. Carers receiving Carer Payment can continue for up to 14 weeks. Parents of stillborn babies can claim the Stillborn Baby Payment. Other situations have specific payments.
How much is the Centrelink bereavement payment?
For a surviving partner, the difference between the couple rate and the new single rate, paid as a lump sum covering up to 14 weeks. The exact figure depends on pension type and rates at the time.
Who is eligible for a bereavement payment?
The surviving partner of someone on Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, or certain other payments.
How do I notify Centrelink that someone has passed away?
Call 132 300 (Older Australians line, for Age Pension related bereavement) or 13 27 17 (Disability, Sickness and Carers line). For other payment types see servicesaustralia.gov.au/phone-us. Or use the Australian Death Notification Service for a single online notification.
What is the Stillborn Baby Payment?
A lump sum (around $4,000 in 2025) for parents of a stillborn baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy or 400g birth weight, subject to income tests.
What if my partner passed away and we were not on Centrelink?
You may still be eligible for an income support payment now. Apply through myGov or by phone.
How long do I have to apply?
The bereavement payment is calculated over a 14 week period from the date of death, but the claim itself can generally be submitted within 26 weeks of the death. Some bereavement payments allow up to 52 weeks. Confirm the deadline for your specific payment with Services Australia.
Need help
Services Australia: 132 300 (Older Australians, for Age Pension related bereavement) or 13 27 17 (Disability, Sickness and Carers line). For other payment types see servicesaustralia.gov.au/phone-us. Australian Death Notification Service: free federal one-stop notifier. ASIC MoneySmart - Losing your partner: broader financial guide. Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737 for bereaved carers.
Next steps
This guide is general information to help Australian families plan, compiled and editorially reviewed by the Funerals Direct team from publicly available sources. It is not professional, legal, or financial advice. Funeral prices change and vary by provider, region, and circumstances - always request an itemised written quote. For prepaid funerals, funeral bonds, or funeral insurance, speak with an independent financial adviser or a free financial counsellor on 1800 007 007.
Ready to find a funeral director?
Compare directors who list the right experience, read reviews from other families, and request a quote. Always free for families.
Find a funeral directorWas this guide helpful?
