Funeral expenses

Organising the funeral

We understand that a funeral is very personal. For that reason, you can choose the funeral director. 

You can ask family, friends or people from your local church or community to find a funeral director that meets your needs.

When you’ve chosen the funeral director, contact your WorkSafe agent (agent) or WorkSafe Advisory to discuss financial assistance.

Eligibility

WorkSafe can only pay for a funeral if:

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

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 agent will work directly with the funeral director to arrange payment. Sometimes this isn’t possible, and you will need to obtain invoices yourself. In particular if your loved one's funeral has already taken place or will be held overseas. 

If you are facing difficulties getting invoices and receipts from overseas, please contact your agent or WorkSafe Advisory to discuss options.

What can WorkSafe pay for

WorkSafe can 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 loved one.

The following items could be included in these.

• The funeral director.
• Any fees for a cremation, coffin, grave site or other fees associated with a burial.
• Costs to transport your loved one 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 can pay up to $15,000 towards the repatriation (transportation) of your loved one to their home state or country for burial or cremation.

WorkSafe can also pay up to a maximum amount for reasonable travel and accommodation expenses to help immediate family members who live more than 100km away attend the funeral.

What WorkSafe doesn’t pay for

WorkSafe can't pay for the following items:

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

Need additional support?

We are here to help you throughout a very difficult time. If you need further assistance, please contact us.