Financial Support after Suicide

[Butterfly_Kylie]

I have a relative who suicided recently and the family are struggling to pay for the funeral as they are all on income support payments. They have just been told they have seven days to pay the account. Is there any financial assistance available? The person who left is a brother and son and was aged 30. We have looked at the Human Services site but can't find anything that applies.

[Aaronsis]

Hello Butterfly Kylie

I would firstly like to offer my condolences to your family, not only is arranging a funeral very emotional and filled with grief and sadness but I think even more so with suicide. I am so sorry your family are experiencing this.

There is a website that I have found:

https://www.gatheredhere.com.au/assistance-funeral-costs-australia/

I am not sure if this will be helpful to you.

Huge hugs to you and your family

Sarah xx

[Croix]

Dear Butterfly Kylie~

I'd like to join Sarah in saying how sad we are that you have not only the death to cope with but also the financial burden, and now threats for non-payment.

Each state does have some mechanism for help with "destitute funerals" payments however they do vary. Sarah's link does give some information on these.

Additionally Social Welfare Organizations such as Anglicare, St Vincents, Lifeline and others may be able to help as this is an emergency.

I'd suggest also you look to the Federal Government who among other things do provide some assistance but more importantly social workers to assist you sort it out and may refer you on to other organizations

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/crisis-and-special-help

I'm not hopeful you will get an immediate response due to the pressures of the virus, however applying there may be enough to stay any action by the funeral house.

Please let us know how you get on.

Croix