South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Bereavement Information 20 Accessing financial support There may be various sources of financial assistance available to help cover funeral expenses. These could include entitlements through DVA, unions, superannuation funds, or sickness and accident insurance policies. It is advisable to check whether the deceased held any such memberships or policies, and to contact the relevant organisations for further information. If possible, also determine whether the person had prepaid for their funeral, as records of this may assist in managing costs. If you belong to a religious or faith-based community, you may wish to reach out to them. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may be eligible for other supports — please speak with staff at your facility for more information. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, there may also be financial assistance available through Centrelink. To determine eligibility and learn about the application process, it is best to contact Centrelink directly and ask what bereavement payments may be available to you. Paying from the person’s bank account If the deceased has funds in their bank account, most financial institutions will allow a direct payment to the funeral director. If the available funds are sufficient, this may cover the full cost of the funeral. Otherwise, the bank may release the amount available to contribute toward funeral expenses. To arrange this, you will typically need to visit a branch in person and provide both the funeral invoice and the medical certificate stating the cause of death. It is advisable to complete this process before the funeral takes place, so you have a clear understanding of how much is available and whether any additional costs will need to be covered. Please note that this process is strictly limited to funeral expenses; funds cannot be used to pay other bills or debts. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the conduct or practices of funeral directors, you can contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or visit their website for more information www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
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