Understanding the bereavement allowance

No one wants to think about their partner dying, but if you find yourself in that situation you may be entitled to some financial assistance to help you adjust.

The government may pay a Bereavement Allowance if your partner dies, you were living with your partner immediately before their death and you have not re-partnered.

The maximum rate is $644.20 a fortnight including a pension supplement of $56.90.

You are paid for up to 14 weeks after the death of your partner. If you are pregnant when your partner dies, it may be longer.

You have to meet an income and assets test (see the Centrelink website).

The allowance is not available to people who receive some other form of government payment. However, if you are receiving a payment, other than Parenting Payment, you may choose to transfer to Bereavement Allowance, explains Centrelink.

You do need to claim within 14 weeks of your partner dying.

If you submit your claim within four weeks of your partner's death, you are paid from the date your partner died. Otherwise your payment starts from the date you submit your claim.

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