Legislative Authority

Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986
Section 98A
Section 98AA

Stated Current Purpose/Intent

An automatic bereavement payment is made to the widow/er of an eligible veteran, member of the Forces, member of a Peacekeeping Force, or Australian mariner, to assist the widow/er gradually to adjust his or her financial situation, and to defray costs caused by the bereavement.

A bereavement payment to the estate of a deceased single veteran previously in receipt of a special rate or Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) disability pension is made if the veteran died in indigent circumstances.  The bereavement payment supports the families to pay for the costs of a funeral where the deceased veteran dies without sufficient assets to pay for a funeral.

Prior to 1 January 2005, the amount of bereavement payment was the equivalent of six pension instalments up to a maximum of 100 per cent of the general rate.

From 1 January 2005, the amount of bereavement payment is the equivalent of six times the actual rate of disability pension.

Current Eligibility Criteria

Pensioner was a member of a couple

The deceased person must have been:

• a member of a couple; and
• receiving a disability pension.

Pensioner was single

The deceased person must have:

• not been a member of a couple;
• been receiving a special rate or EDA disability pension; and
• died in indigent circumstances.

Notes

1. Bereavement payments are also payable in respect of income support pensions.  In this case seven pension instalments are paid to the widow/er (see Income Support Bereavement Payment).

Date of Introduction

1 January 1990

Original Purpose/Intent

The original purpose has not changed.

Significant Changes in Criteria or Purpose Since Introduction