Funeral expenses

Funeral and other related expenses may be covered by WorkSafe when a family member loses their life at work. If eligible, we can help you to pay for your family member's funeral.

Download fact sheet

 

Organising the funeral

We understand that a funeral is a very personal occasion so we won't tell you which funeral director to use. Asking family, friends or people from your local church or community is a great way to find a funeral director that meets your needs.

Once you have chosen your funeral director, please contact your WorkSafe agent or WorkSafe's Advisory service who will be able to assist you further. The WorkSafe agent can work directly with the funeral director to finalise payment.

When can WorkSafe pay for a funeral?

WorkSafe can only pay for a funeral if:

  • your family member is considered a worker under Victorian workers' compensation law and their death is work-related
  • it is provided by a registered funeral home (for services held in Australia)

In order for WorkSafe to pay, an invoice or receipt of payment is required from the funeral director and other organisations associated with the funeral arrangements.

Where possible, your WorkSafe agent will work directly with the funeral director to finalise payment. Sometimes this is not possible and you will need to obtain them yourself, particularly if your loved one's funeral has already taken place or will be held overseas. If you are facing difficulties obtaining overseas invoices and receipts, please contact your WorkSafe agent or WorkSafe's Advisory service to discuss options.

What can WorkSafe pay?

WorkSafe is able to pay up to $15,230 towards the cost of a burial or cremation service (which may include a wake or gathering) to honour and celebrate the life of your family member.

The following items could be included as part of the burial or cremation services:

  • the funeral director
  • any fees for a cremation, coffin, grave site or other fees associated with a burial
  • costs to transport your family member to the funeral home
  • a service or gathering
  • a simple identification plaque
  • other costs for example, flowers, a death certificate or notice in a newspaper

WorkSafe is able to pay up to $15,000 towards the repatriation (transportation) of your loved one to their home state or country for burial or cremation.

WorkSafe is also able to pay up to $5,520 for travel and accommodation expenses to help immediate family members who live more than 100km away attend the funeral.

Note: the amounts provided apply to deaths that occur on or after 1 July 2022. For amounts prior to this date, please contact the WorkSafe agent or call WorkSafe's Advisory service.

What can't WorkSafe pay for?

WorkSafe cannot pay for the following:

  • a vault or crypt
  • mourning cars
  • large monuments, tombstones or memorials

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about how WorkSafe can help you arrange the funeral download the fact sheet or contact a WorkSafe Advisor.

WorkSafe Advisory Service

WorkSafe's advisory service is available between 7:30am and 6:30pm Monday to Friday. If you need more support, you can also contact WorkSafe using the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or the National Relay Service.

1800 136 089 More contact options

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