Losing a family member: The first week

A guide to what you may experience as this difficult time unfolds.

Date last updated

Friday 03 Jul 2020

Industries and topics

Claims

We're here to support you on this difficult journey

There are many things that you may need to organise after losing a family member. You may need to speak with numerous people and provide a lot of information. Remember you aren't alone, we are here to support you.

Things to think about in the first week

Self-care

Everyone's grief is unique. When you lose someone dear to you, it's easy to forget to look after yourself. We can assist you.

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Immediate support payments

We have immediate support packages available to offer you financial assistance and support while you wait for your claim to be processed. We're here to assist and support you where possible throughout this difficult time.

Woman sitting at a desk looking at a laptop computer.

Work-related death claim

When a family member dies in a workplace, you may be eligible to claim for a number of payments and benefits.

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Funeral entitlements help

There are a number of things you may be entitled to have covered when organising a funeral.

Who will contact me and what role do they play?

In the first few weeks, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed with contact by various people. To assist, here is an explanation of each role so you can understand why each contact is important.

Victoria Police
notifies the person's closest living relative or relatives (next of kin)

reports the death to the Coroner

arranges for you, a family member or close friend to identify your family member

starts an investigation to establish if any crimes were committed

manages the investigation if your family member died in a motor vehicle accident
State Coroner
works with WorkSafe and Victoria Police to investigate your family member's death

determines the cause of death

notifies the senior next of kin about the nature of the incident

provides support and information on their processes

notifies you where your family member will be taken

facilitates the formal registration of death
WorkSafe Victoria
WorkSafe works closely with police to investigate most work-related deaths. They need to find out if occupational health and safety (OHS) laws were broken.

If your family member died in a motor vehicle accident or of natural causes, WorkSafe may not become involved.

Sometimes there will be a number of different investigations occurring at the same time. All relevant agencies will maintain contact with you.
WorkSafe Agent
Agents are engaged by WorkSafe to work with you in relation to your claim.

Your WorkSafe agent is the person who you can contact to discuss any part of your claim. If you need extra support, you should reach out to your agent to discuss how they can better support you.
Employer
may offer to support you and your family

may offer support to the workmates of your family member

will provide information to Victoria Police, WorkSafe investigators and your WorkSafe agent
Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
provides the senior next of kin with an official death certificate within several weeks

in some cases, provides an interim death certificate upon request
External legal firms
The WorkSafe agent may engage an external legal firm to help assess initial liability, and may:

contact you or your legal representative to collect financial and medical information required to assess your claim

provide assistance to understand the claim process and, where applicable, the legal process.

Sometimes there will be a number of different investigation occurring at the same time. All relevant agencies will maintain contact with you.

We understand that this is an emotional time for you and your family. To help support you, we've created a claims checklist of documents you may need to prepare in the first days and weeks.

Download checklist

Taking care of yourself

When navigating difficult times, often looking after yourself can be put to one side. It is important to give yourself the time and space to get through each day by allowing yourself time to breathe and letting family members support you.

Coping with loss

Find support with Ask Izzy

Support services you can use any time you need extra support including food parcels, housing help, financial aid, mental wellness, specialty health assistance and counselling.

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