Funeral expenses

If a person has died as a result of a homicide in NSW, the Victims Support Scheme can provide up to $9,500 to a homicide victim's family to cover the costs of their funeral. 

We can cover a range of expenses associated with a funeral or cremation. These expenses may include:

• audio visual
• balloons and soft toys (for child victims)
• coffin or casket
• costs that relate to use of facilities
• cremation and burial fees
• embalming
• flowers
• headstone
• memorial expenses
• minister or clergy fees
• printing costs, such as service sheets
• obituary notice
• repatriation
• wake-related expenses.
  

Who can apply?

You can apply for financial assistance for funeral expenses if you are a:

• family victim – homicide
  
• funeral director.

To learn more about assistance for family victims of homicide, see Support for family members of a homicide victim. 

How long do I have to apply?

You need to apply for support within 2 years from the date the death was established as a homicide, or within 2 years of turning 18 if the family victim was a child at the time.

How do I apply?

To apply, please select the relevant online application form and follow the instructions to complete your application:

• If you are a family victim, use the Application for Support for a Family Member of a Homicide Victim - external site launch.
  
• If you are a funeral director, please complete the Funeral Expenses for a Funeral Director - external site launch application form. 

If you're unable to apply online, you can download a PDF application form and send your completed form and supporting documents to us by email or post. 

What do I need to apply?

All applicants will need to provide a completed application form along with copies of itemised tax invoices or receipts for the costs they are claiming. 

Family victims also need to provide a clear copy or image of their current government-issued identification, such as a driver licence, passport, Medicare card or Centrelink card. Visit Supporting documents to see a list of identification documents we accept. 

Important information about applications for victims support 

Some people are not eligible for support, even if they are a victim of crime. For more information on persons who are not eligible, see section 25 of the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013 - external site launch. 

There are also circumstances where support may be declined or the amount reduced. For more information on those circumstances, see section 44 of the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013 - external site launch.

Factors for consideration under section 44 include, but are not limited to:

• Any behaviour on the part of the deceased which has directly or indirectly contributed to their death, including past criminal activity.
• Any money the applicant has received from another source in relation to the violent crime, including under an insurance policy or other agreement.