Funeral expenses

The Victims Support Scheme provides up to $9,500 to a family group to cover the costs associated with a funeral for a family member of a homicide victim.

Funeral expenses may include the following:

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

Who can apply?

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

• family member of a homicide victim
  
• funeral director on behalf of a homicide victim.

For more information about family victims, see Eligibility criteria. 

How long do I have to apply?

You can apply for support within 2 years from the date the death was determined to be a homicide. 

If you were a child when the homicide happened, you need to apply within 2 years of turning 18 years old. 

How do I apply?

To apply, please complete the relevant application form:

• If you are a funeral director, please complete the Funeral expenses for a funeral director application form. 
  
• If you are a family member of a homicide victim, use the Support for a family member of a homicide victim application form.
  

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

Documents required

You will need to supply supporting documents along with your completed application form. These include:

• a copy of your current government-issued identification, such as a driver licence, passport, Medicare card, or Centrelink card. This is only required if you're a family member of a homicide victim 
• copies of tax invoices or receipts for the costs you are claiming. 

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. 

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. 

Consideration of these factors may affect the amount of financial support a victim receives or may result in a decision not to approve an application for victims support. 

To learn more, visit Eligibility criteria.