What to do after a death
If a person dies in a hospital, the hospital staff will take care of the formalities and advise loved ones on what they need to do. If a person dies at home, their loved ones will need to take a few steps after the death.
Obtaining a death certificate
First, phone the person’s doctor. The doctor will explain what needs to be done to get a death certificate, which is signed by the doctor and then lodged with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. A signed death certificate is needed in order to make funeral arrangements, and the funeral director will usually lodge the death certificate for you.
Organising the funeral
A funeral director can arrange the funeral for you if you wish. They can arrange for the body to be transported and for you to view the body if you wish. They can also arrange newspaper notices, flowers and religious services. If you want to arrange a donation to charity in lieu of flowers, tell the funeral director and they will arrange it.
Funeral costs can vary considerably. It is important to know what you're getting and how much it will cost. Do not be persuaded to spend more than you can afford. The funeral director should provide a quote in writing.
If you think there was a prepaid funeral or funeral bonds, but cannot find the relevant papers, check with the next of kin, a solicitor, the Public Trustee, a trusted friend or the executor of the will. You can also phone the local funeral directors. They usually have their own lists that you can check. Look for the number under 'Funeral Directors' in the Yellow Pages.
Insurance policies
Sometimes private health insurance, sickness and accident insurance or life insurance policies may pay funeral and other payments. For example, a few private health insurance companies contribute amounts up to around $1 500 towards the cost of a funeral.
Executing the will
The will is a legal document that sets out how the deceased's belongings are to be distributed after their death. It may take into account:
- the likely value of their estate
- special funeral arrangements
- prepaid cemetery plots
- beneficiaries and special gifts
- organ donation
- who is appointed as executor
The executor of the will is responsible for distributing the person's assets to the people named in the will as beneficiaries. This happens after any debts are paid.
If you have been named in a will as an executor and are not sure what to do, contact the State Trustee, the Public Trustee or a solicitor.
Who to notify of the death
You may need to notify various people and organisations of the death. Centrelink has a checklist of people that may need to be notified and a sample letter informing people of a person’s death. Both can be downloaded here.
Financial assistance
You may be eligible for financial assistance after a loved one has died. Centrelink has produced a booklet setting out the assistance measures available, which can be downloaded here.
