How Much Can You Claim for a Lump Sum Bereavement Payment in 2025?

When someone close passes away, the emotional toll is overwhelming. The last thing anyone wants to think about is money. However, financial support is often necessary to help you through this time.

Understanding how much is lump sum bereavement payment in 2025 gives you a clearer picture of what assistance may be available from Centrelink. While this guide offers key details, it’s still best to contact your local Centrelink office or a financial counsellor for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What Is a Bereavement Payment?

The bereavement payment is a one-off lump sum designed to help partners and carers manage essential expenses following a death. It’s not intended to solve long-term financial hardship but to ease the pressure during those first weeks.

It’s also available to people who were receiving certain payments when their loved one passed, including:

• Age Pension
• Disability Support Pension
• Carer Payment
• Parenting Payment
• JobSeeker Payment

These payments aim to assist you through the early stages of adjustment.

Who Is Eligible?

To claim the Centrelink lump sum bereavement payment, you typically need to:

• Be receiving or have been eligible for a Centrelink payment.
• Have been living with the deceased or financially dependent.
• Notify Centrelink within 14 weeks of the person’s death.

Eligibility rules vary depending on your relationship and payment type, so always check with Centrelink for your specific case.

How Much Is Bereavement Payment in 2025?

If you and your partner were receiving a combined income support payment, and one passes away, Centrelink may continue paying the couple rate for 14 weeks. This helps you adjust to the single rate payment. The difference between the two rates becomes your bereavement lump sum.

For instance:

• Combined rate: $1,600/fortnight
• New single rate: $1,100/fortnight
• Difference: $500 x 7 fortnights = $3,500 lump sum

This amount may vary depending on your payment type and Centrelink’s current rates.

There are also additional benefits if your partner was eligible for the Pension Bonus Scheme, allowing for a bonus bereavement payment that may range from $1,600 to over $40,000 depending on years deferred.

How to Apply

To receive the payment:

• Notify Centrelink of the death immediately.
• Complete an application online via MyGov or visit a Centrelink office.
• Submit supporting documents like the death certificate and relationship proof.
• You should also update your MyGov records and bank details where applicable.

Don’t Forget to Ask for Help

Losing a loved one is emotionally challenging, and financial issues only add to the distress. Whether it’s bills, funeral expenses, or delayed paperwork, things can become overwhelming fast.

That’s why it’s so important to have a clear view of your options. We recommend speaking to your local Centrelink office or a financial advisor to clarify your eligibility, as every situation is different.

Support Is Always Available

While financial support like the bereavement allowance Centrelink provides is helpful, emotional care is just as vital. Don’t hesitate to reach out to services that specialise in financial planning during a difficult time. These professionals can guide you through the bureaucracy and paperwork with kindness and clarity.

Remember, you're not alone, and support is available. Reach out, ask questions, and don’t rush the process. Help exists — and it’s okay to take it.