State funded assistance for funeral

Are you in need of assistance for a funeral?

According to the Burials Assistance Act 1965, the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, through the Coroners Court of Queensland (CCQ), has the authority to handle funeral arrangements for individuals who have passed away in Queensland and do not have any known next of kin who are able or willing to cover the expenses of a funeral service.

This is managed through the CCQ Funeral Assistance Scheme. If you meet the eligibility criteria under this scheme, you can request financial aid to help with the upfront costs of a funeral service for a loved one or friend.

Additionally, agencies can apply under the scheme if no family members or friends are available to make funeral arrangements or apply for funeral assistance on their behalf.

Find out your eligibility below and where to find all the information you need.

Assistance for funerals: eligibility

How can I determine if I meet the eligibility criteria for applying?

If you are submitting an application as an individual, your eligibility will be evaluated based on the financial details you can provide about the deceased.

According to the Burials Assistance Act 1965 (QLD), a relative (or next of kin) is defined strictly as a spouse or parent of the deceased. If you fall into one of these categories, you must submit information about your personal finances and those of the deceased.

There are various reasons an application may be denied, please visit the CCQ website and select “hHow do I know if I’m eligible to apply?”.

State-funded funeral: will I need to pay the department back?

The CCQ has the right to recover the entire expense of all funeral services provided under the Scheme from:

• any available funds in the deceased’s estate (including their individual bank accounts.) This recovery is treated as a debt.
• If the spouse or parent of the deceased has applied for assistance.
• The spouse or parent of the deceased has made an application for assistance.

If you are the spouse or parent of the deceased applying for the scheme, you will consent to receive a letter of inquiry from the Department regarding reimbursing these expenses from the deceased’s estate. Following the funeral service, the CCQ will contact you at a time that you specify, ranging from 1 to 3 months (or longer if requested through an application).

For more information, including what happens with voluntary contributions towards the funeral service when applying, please visit the CCQ website and select “will I need to pay the department back?”.

Assistance for funeral costs: what does the assistance include?

The government-contracted undertakers, also known as Funeral Directors, are only authorised to offer specific services under the scheme for funeral assistance. These services will be provided and include:

• The undertaker’s authorised boundary area allows for the local collection and transportation of the deceased for preparation and funeral service

• They provide a properly made, conventionally shaped, and suitably lined coffin or a coffin with additional braces and boards for larger individuals

• In cases where the applicant does not provide clothing, a white calico shroud covers the deceased

• The funeral service is conducted dignified and respectfully, allowing family and friends to make small speeches at the crematorium or graveside

• Death registration is handled for the deceased

For a list of limitations that apply to the assistance, please visit the CCQ website.

State assistance for funeral expenses

For more information, including where to find the application forms and additional resources you may need, please visit the Coroners Court of Queensland website.

Assistance for funeral: state-funded

Anton Brown Funerals recognises that funeral expenses can quickly accumulate, especially considering the rising cost of living.

Not everyone can afford a funeral for their loved ones at this time if their assets cannot cover the costs involved. However, potential assistance is available, which is explained in detail in this article.

While there are specific criteria and conditions to meet, this article is a valuable resource to help determine eligibility, understand repayment obligations (if any), and comprehend what forms of assistance are provided.

We aim to ensure everyone can give their loved ones a meaningful send-off; we hope you find this article informative and supportive.

Are you planning a funeral?

Call the friendly team at Anton Brown Funerals today.