Planning a funeral is difficult and stressful at the best of times, but when the death is as a result of homicide or been killed by a dangerous driver in Queensland, this can magnify the stress levels experienced by those left behind.

This page contains information that we hope will assist in some small way in arranging a funeral service and accessing financial assistance where possible.

Who can claim:

You can claim funeral expenses if you are the person responsible for paying the funeral costs. You do not need to be a family member of the deceased person, but you may be.

We can assist you with claiming funeral expenses if:

  • the death occurred in Queensland
  • the cause of death was;
    • murder
    • manslaughter
    • dangerous operation of a motor vehicle (e.g. car, bus, truck or motorbike) causing death
    • dangerous operation of a motor vessel (e.g. boat or jet ski) causing death.

We may not be able to pay financial assistance if the victim is a missing person or the cause of the person’s death is unknown. If this is the case, you can complete the application form at any time, but we may need to defer making our decision until after:

  • a coroner or police determine the person has more likely than not died from an offence listed above
  • police charge a person with an offence listed above
  • a cause of death certificate is issued under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 2003 detailing an offence listed above.

You can claim up to $8,000. We can cover a range of expenses associated with a funeral or cremation. These expenses may include:

  • embalming and mortuary care
  • Funeral Director’s professional service fee
  • funeral celebrant fee
  • coffin and floral arrangement for coffin
  • cremation costs
  • council cemetery fee (internment, grave or burial fee, grave liner)
  • venue hire
  • funeral notice and service booklet
  • certified death certificates and registration of death.

A close family member may also be able to claim other expenses, including:

  • the cost of repatriating the deceased person for funeral, cremation or burial purposes
  • the purchase of an urn, wall memorial, plaque and tombstone.

Centrelink Payments for Pension Recipients

If you and your partner were receiving a pension at the time of the death then you may be entitled to a lump sum payment. Click on the link to find out what you may be entitles to and what if any conditions apply. Centrelink Payments Schedule.