What to Do When Someone Dies in Australia: A Step-by-Step Checklist

If someone has just died, you don’t need to have all the answers right now. This checklist covers what needs to happen in the first 24 hours, the days that follow, and the weeks after — in order, so you can move through it one step at a time.

In the First 24 Hours

• If the death was unexpected or at home, call 000. Police or a doctor will need to confirm the death before a funeral director can be involved.
• If the death occurred in a hospital, hospice or aged care facility, staff will usually contact a funeral director on your behalf, or you can choose your own.
• Contact a funeral director to arrange transfer of your loved one into their care. You are not obligated to use the first provider you speak to — compare funeral directors in Australia before committing to one.
• Locate a will or funeral plan, if one exists. This may specify burial or cremation wishes, a prepaid funeral, or a funeral bond.
• Notify immediate family.

In the First Few Days

• Register the death — your funeral director will usually lodge this with Births, Deaths and Marriages on your behalf.
• Order death certificates. Most families need 8–10 certified copies for banks, insurers, Centrelink and superannuation funds.
• Choose burial or cremation, and decide on a service type. If cost is a concern, direct cremation is typically the most affordable option in Australia, starting from around $2,000.
• Get quotes from more than one funeral director. Prices for comparable services can vary by thousands of dollars between providers — find a funeral director near you to request itemised quotes.
• Check for a funeral bond or prepaid funeral plan. If one exists, it can usually be applied directly to the funeral cost. If you know one exists but can’t locate the paperwork, see our guide to finding a lost funeral bond or plan.

Notifications and Paperwork

Work through this list as you’re able to — it doesn’t all need to happen at once:

• Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (a bereavement payment may be available)
• Superannuation fund(s) — many include a death benefit
• Life insurance provider(s), if applicable
• Employer, if the person was working
• Banks, credit unions and any lenders
• Australian Taxation Office
• Medicare and private health insurer
• Electoral roll (via the Australian Electoral Commission)
• Utility providers, landlord or body corporate
• Australia Post (mail redirection)

Entitlements Families Often Miss

Families under pressure frequently miss entitlements they’re owed. It’s worth checking each of these directly with the relevant provider:

• Centrelink Bereavement Payment — a one-off payment for eligible partners, carers or parents.
• Superannuation death benefits — most super funds pay out a death benefit, but it isn’t paid automatically; someone needs to make a claim directly with the fund.
• Life insurance death benefits — can take weeks to process; contact the insurer directly for their specific requirements.
• Funeral bonds or prepaid plans — these are sometimes forgotten, especially with older policies. If you suspect one exists but can’t find the details, we can help you trace it.

In the Weeks After the Funeral

• Apply for probate or letters of administration if required (usually needed for estates with property or significant assets).
• Finalise outstanding bills and close accounts.
• Distribute the estate according to the will, once debts and funeral costs are settled.

How My Funeral Care Can Help

You don’t have to work through this alone. My Funeral Care provides:

• 24/7 phone support from the moment a death occurs
• Independent guidance on funeral arrangements, with no pressure to choose a particular provider
• Help with paperwork — certificates, forms and notifications
• Help tracing lost or forgotten funeral bonds, prepaid plans, and insurance policies

Call 1300 402 236 any time, or compare funeral directors and costs through eziFunerals to see your options first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the funeral director the hospital recommends?
No. You’re free to choose any funeral director in Australia, regardless of who the hospital or aged care facility suggests. It’s worth comparing a few providers first, since prices for similar services can vary significantly.

How many death certificates do I need?
Most families need 8–10 certified copies to deal with banks, insurers, Centrelink and super funds. It’s cheaper to order extras upfront than to request more later.

Is there financial help available for funeral costs?
Yes — options include Centrelink bereavement payments, superannuation death benefits, life insurance payouts, and funeral bonds. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, and each is claimed directly with the relevant provider. If you’re not sure whether a funeral bond or plan exists, our lost plan search can help.

How soon does a funeral need to happen after death?
There’s no legal deadline in most Australian states, though funerals commonly take place within 1–2 weeks. This gives time to arrange the service and notify family, while allowing for religious or cultural requirements where relevant.