8.3.2 Funeral Benefit for a Deceased Veteran
Funeral Benefit for a Deceased Veteran
This section outlines the eligibility and payment details of a funeral benefit payable to a deceased veteran.
From 1 July 2026, there will be two categories of funeral benefits for eligible veterans and their dependents: a high rate and a low rate.
High Rate $14,990.43 (indexed)
- Payable based on the above eligibility criteria (section 12 of the MRCA).
- Payable to maximum rate or the actual cost of the funeral (whichever is less).
- Indexed on 1 July each year.
Low rate $3,000 (fixed)
- Current VEA auto grant entitlements will continue.
- Automatically paid to the estate of veterans in receipt of EDA, Special Rate (TPI only), an Additional Disability allowance as a multiple amputee, and ex-prisoners of war.
- Can be claimed where the veteran:
- Death was war or defence-caused (within the meaning of the VEA)
- died in indigent circumstances
- died in a hospital or other institutions travelling to or from a hospital/institution
- after discharge from a hospital/institution where they received treatment for a terminal illness
- while being treated at home for a terminal illness
- Funeral benefits for a dependant who died in indigent circumstances in certain circumstances.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-8-bereavement-assistance/83-funeral-benefits/832-funeral-benefit-deceased-veteran
Automatic Funeral Benefit Grant for a Deceased Veteran
Funeral Benefit for a Deceased Veteran
This section outlines the eligibility and payment details of a funeral benefit payable to a deceased veteran.
From 1 July 2026, there will be two categories of funeral benefits for eligible veterans and their dependents: a high rate and a low rate.
High Rate $14,990.43 (indexed)
- Payable based on the above eligibility criteria (section 12 of the MRCA).
- Payable to maximum rate or the actual cost of the funeral (whichever is less).
- Indexed on 1 July each year.
Low rate $3,000 (fixed)
- Current VEA auto grant entitlements will continue.
- Automatically paid to the estate of veterans in receipt of EDA, Special Rate (TPI only), an Additional Disability allowance as a multiple amputee, and ex-prisoners of war.
- Can be claimed where the veteran:
- Death was war or defence-caused (within the meaning of the VEA)
- died in indigent circumstances
- died in a hospital or other institutions travelling to or from a hospital/institution
- after discharge from a hospital/institution where they received treatment for a terminal illness
- while being treated at home for a terminal illness
- Funeral benefits for a dependant who died in indigent circumstances in certain circumstances.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-8-bereavement-assistance/83-funeral-benefits/832-funeral-benefit-deceased-veteran/automatic-funeral-benefit-grant-deceased-veteran
Other Funeral Benefit Grant for a Deceased Veteran or Member
Funeral Benefit for a Deceased Veteran
This section outlines the eligibility and payment details of a funeral benefit payable to a deceased veteran.
From 1 July 2026, there will be two categories of funeral benefits for eligible veterans and their dependents: a high rate and a low rate.
High Rate $14,990.43 (indexed)
- Payable based on the above eligibility criteria (section 12 of the MRCA).
- Payable to maximum rate or the actual cost of the funeral (whichever is less).
- Indexed on 1 July each year.
Low rate $3,000 (fixed)
- Current VEA auto grant entitlements will continue.
- Automatically paid to the estate of veterans in receipt of EDA, Special Rate (TPI only), an Additional Disability allowance as a multiple amputee, and ex-prisoners of war.
- Can be claimed where the veteran:
- Death was war or defence-caused (within the meaning of the VEA)
- died in indigent circumstances
- died in a hospital or other institutions travelling to or from a hospital/institution
- after discharge from a hospital/institution where they received treatment for a terminal illness
- while being treated at home for a terminal illness
- Funeral benefits for a dependant who died in indigent circumstances in certain circumstances.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-8-bereavement-assistance/83-funeral-benefits/832-funeral-benefit-deceased-veteran/other-funeral-benefit-grant-deceased-veteran-or-member