Funeral assistance QLD: What happens when you can’t afford a funeral?

Funerals costs can add up quickly, but if you don’t think you can afford a funeral for a loved one, and their assets can’t cover the expense, you may be eligible for some assistance.

There are strict terms and conditions, and this blog is a great starting point as we explain more and where to find out more to help determine if you’re eligible.

What Funeral Assistance is available in Queensland?

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General, through the Coroners Court of Queensland (CCQ), can make funeral arrangements for eligible people who have died in the state of Queensland and have no next of kin willing – or able – to pay for a funeral.

People who are eligible under CCQ Funeral Assistance Scheme can apply for help with paying the upfront costs of a funeral service for their loved one.

If the deceased has no relatives or friends to make funeral arrangements then agencies can apply for assistance under the scheme.

Eligibility for Funeral Assistance Scheme

The eligibility criteria for the Funeral Assistance Scheme are strict, and applications will be declined in many situations, including if:

• the deceased has a superannuation account
• the deceased has a life insurance policy
• the deceased has an existing funeral plan or funeral insurance
• a contract for funeral services for the deceased has already been signed with a funeral company
• where funds have been withdrawn from the deceased’s bank account by the applicant, after their death (for any reason)
• there are sufficient funds, assets or shares in the deceased’s estate (including any bank accounts held solely in their name)

Those who are applying for this assistance will have to provide financial information on behalf of the deceased. Their application will also be assessed based on their own personal finances.

Find out more about eligibility here.

Funeral Assistance QLD: What’s included

Government-contracted undertakers are only allowed to provide limited services under this scheme, including a coffin, a cover for the deceased if they’re not clothed, and death registration.

Those people who do have their application accepted are unable to choose the funeral director or the location of the service.

Also, the deceased will be cremated, unless the applicant requests a burial.

It’s also important to note that you will need to pay the government back.

The website says:

“CCQ is entitled to recover the full cost of all funeral services provided under the Scheme, from any monies available from the deceased’s estate (including any bank accounts held solely in their name), like a debt.

Individuals who submit an application agree to receive an enquiry letter from the Department about recovering these costs from the deceased’s estate sometime after the funeral service (you can nominate how long you would like for us to wait before contacting you, from 1 to 3 months).”

What happens if you can’t afford a funeral in Queensland?

Depending on your circumstances and the circumstances of the death, you may be eligible for other types of financial support.

If you lost your loved one as a result of an act of violence, then you may be eligible for other types of assistance. Read about the Victim Assist Queensland here.

In some cases Centrelink offers bereavement payments and support, as does the Department of Veterans Affairs.

We also discuss some other options for paying for a funeral in our blog here.