Handling Centrelink Benefits in Australia
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Handling Centrelink Benefits in Australia after the death of a loved one
Welcome back to MyBio.life Blog. In today’s edition, we are sharing information to handle Centrelink benefits in Australia, once someone passes away.
You may not be familiar with social security in Australia, and that’s perfectly understandable. In Australia, it’s not called Social Security, but rather a system of social welfare payments provided by the government. These payments are administered by Centrelink, the government agency that helps Australians with financial support.
Since Centrelink benefits can be crucial for many individuals and families, it’s important to know how to handle them after someone dies. This article will guide you through the process, explaining what to do and how to navigate this sometimes confusing time.
Who Should You Notify:
Losing a loved one is an emotional experience. In addition to grieving, there are also practical matters to attend to, which can feel overwhelming.
After the passing of a loved one, navigating any Centrelink benefits can seem confusing. Having a clear understanding of what to do can help ensure a smoother process. This checklist provides step-by-step guidance to report the death of your loved one.
In the Event of a Death
- If your loved one dies unexpectedly, the first call is usually to emergency services on 000.
- If your loved one was receiving palliative care or under hospice care, the staff will typically arrange for a doctor to certify the death and discuss after-death care options with you.
- If the death occurs in a hospital or aged care facility, the staff will handle these arrangements for you.
Don’t forget to contact Services Australia and check out their article for additional information on what to do.
Reporting the death of your loved one or relative as soon as possible is paramount to get support. Then having the checklist as we have included in MyBio.life helps to identify next steps and who to contact, for example, banks, creditors, insurance companies etc. Using MyBio.life app, you may want to access their important information and notify the following services highlighted in this checklist.
Understanding Benefits:
After a loved one’s passing, promptly notifying Centrelink, along with other relevant agencies helps minimise the burden when estate planning.
You can also calculate any overpayments that may need to be returned (usually only applies to payments made for the month of death or later)
In Australia, Centrelink’s payments provide financial support to a wide range of individuals and families. Understanding how Centrelink benefits are handled after someone passes is an important part of preparation for finalising a loved ones affairs. Depending on the deceased’s circumstances and your relationship to them, you might be eligible for survivor benefits.
Applying for Survivor Benefits:
Survivor benefits are Centrelink payments available to eligible individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased.
- Types of Survivor Benefits you could apply for:
- Partner Allowance: Provides financial support for a partner who has lost their spouse or partner.
- Widow/er Pension: Available for a longer-term partner who has lost their spouse.
- Carer Payment: May be extended for up to 14 weeks after the death of someone you were caring for.
- Family Tax Benefit: May continue for a period under certain circumstances, particularly if there are dependent children involved.
Remember that eligibility for survivor benefits depends on several factors, such as your relationship to the deceased, your income and assets, and any dependent children. You can apply for survivor benefits by calling Centrelink on 132 367 or visiting a Centrelink service centre. They will guide you through the application process and the documents you may need.
As this can be a very difficult time, Centrelink is there to assist you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for further information or clarification on your specific situation. MyBio.life can’t replace professional advice, but it can be a valuable tool in keeping your important documents organised so if you have a love one who has passed, MyBio.life can make things much easier.
Using MyBio.life During this Challenging time
Our App lets you store all your important documents in one place, including personal details, funeral wishes, and crucial documents like insurance and superannuation details.
You can even upload scans of your loved one’s Centrelink information or communication for easy access.
This way, you have everything you need readily available when dealing with Centrelink after their passing. MyBio.life keeps things organised, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – honouring their memory and navigating this challenging time with peace of mind.
Related Resources
While navigating Centrelink benefits after a loved one’s passing, you may find these resources helpful: