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Bereavement Payment
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
- 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
1994 |
From 1 July 1994, the SWPA Act and Regulations were repealed and Australian mariners became eligible under the VEA on the same basis as veterans. |
2005 |
The Government increased the bereavement payment for the partners of above general rate disability pensioners (including T&PI, intermediate rate and EDA veterans). This initiative commenced on 1 January 2005. Under the new arrangements, all bereavement payments including increased payments for deaths from 1 January 2005 are paid automatically. |
2008 |
From 1 July 2008 the Veterans' Entitlements Legislation Amendment (2007 Election Commitments) Bill 2008 introduced bereavement payments to the estate of deceased single veterans previously in receipt of a special rate or EDA disability pension and who die in indigent circumstances. |
2009 |
Same sex partners of veterans treated the same as opposite sex de facto partners. |