Government payments and services: what you may be entitled to

This guide gives an overview of the main payments and services available. For Carer Payment and Carer Allowance specifically, there is a dedicated guide with full application details.

What payments are available for carers?

Carer Payment An income support payment for people who provide full-time care and are unable to work because of their caring role. It's means-tested. The rate is similar to the Age Pension and is paid fortnightly.

Carer Allowance A supplementary payment for people providing daily care. Not income-tested, so most carers qualify regardless of income. Can be received at the same time as Carer Payment.

Carer Supplement An annual payment made automatically to Carer Allowance recipients each July. You don't need to apply separately, but you do need to be receiving Carer Allowance for it to be paid.

Health Care Card Carer Payment recipients automatically receive a Health Care Card, which provides concessions on some PBS medications and other services. It's issued by Centrelink.

For detailed eligibility and application information for carer payments, see the dedicated Carer Payment and Carer Allowance guide.

What payments are available after bereavement?

Bereavement Payment (Centrelink) If your partner was receiving a Centrelink income support payment (such as the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or JobSeeker), Centrelink may pay a bereavement payment to you after their death. This is a lump sum or short-term continuation of payments that helps bridge the gap while you adjust.

The amount and form of the payment depends on which payment your partner was receiving. Contact Centrelink (Services Australia) on 132 300 within 14 weeks of your partner's death to discuss your entitlement.

Bereavement Allowance A short-term payment for people who have recently lost their partner and are not already receiving an income support payment. It was previously a separate payment but is now generally provided through the Centrelink bereavement provisions above. Centrelink will assess your situation when you contact them.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card If you're of Age Pension age but don't qualify for the Age Pension itself (often due to income or assets), you may qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. This gives access to concessions similar to those on a Health Care Card. After bereavement, your financial situation may change in ways that affect eligibility for this card.

What is available through the Department of Veterans' Affairs?

If your partner served in the Australian Defence Force, there may be DVA entitlements that apply, either for them during illness or for you after bereavement.

DVA Gold Card Provides access to a wide range of health services at no cost, for eligible veterans. If your partner had a Gold Card, it covered a significant portion of their healthcare costs. After they die, the Gold Card cannot be transferred, but you may have separate entitlements.

DVA White Card Covers specific health conditions accepted as related to service. More limited than the Gold Card.

Disability Compensation Payment A payment made to veterans for service-related injuries or illnesses. If your partner was receiving this, it ceases at death. However, you may be entitled to a separate payment as a surviving partner.

War Widow's/Widower's Pension If your partner's death was related to their service, or if they were receiving certain DVA payments at the time of death, you may be entitled to a War Widow's or Widower's Pension. This is a regular payment made by DVA to eligible surviving partners.

Contact DVA on 1800 555 254 to discuss your partner's service history and what entitlements may apply. DVA also has staff who can assist with claims at most DVA offices.

DVA Bereavement Assistance DVA provides bereavement assistance for eligible families, including help with funeral costs in some circumstances. Ask DVA specifically about bereavement assistance when you contact them.

Which concession cards should I check?

Several concession cards provide discounts on everyday costs:

Pensioner Concession Card Issued to people receiving Centrelink pensions (including the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment). Provides significant discounts on utilities, public transport, rates, and some health services. If your partner was the cardholder, check whether you are now entitled to your own card.

Health Care Card Issued to people receiving certain Centrelink payments, including JobSeeker and some family payments. Provides PBS medication discounts.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card As above, for people of Age Pension age who don't receive the pension but meet the income test.

After bereavement, your entitlements may change significantly depending on your new income and assets situation. Contact Centrelink to have your circumstances reassessed.

What state and territory concessions are available?

The states and territories offer additional concessions that vary by location. These can include:

• Utility concessions (energy and water rebates)
• Public transport concessions
• Vehicle registration discounts
• Council rates concessions

Most of these are linked to holding a Commonwealth concession card (Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card). Check with your state or territory government website for what's available in your area.

How do I approach Centrelink?

Centrelink can be difficult to navigate. A full list of available payments can be found at Services Australia, including an online payment finder that assesses your entitlements based on your circumstances. A few things that help:

• Call the most relevant line directly. For bereavement, call 132 300. For carer payments, call 132 717.
• Tell them immediately that you're dealing with a terminal illness or a recent death. This often triggers priority handling or access to a specific team.
• Ask what you're entitled to, not just about the specific payment you called about. The Centrelink officer may be able to flag other entitlements.
• If you're struggling to deal with Centrelink yourself, a social worker at your hospital or palliative care team may be able to assist. This is one of the things hospital social workers do.

Why should I apply as soon as possible?

Carer payments are not backdated to before the date of application. Bereavement payments have time limits for claiming. Every week you delay is time you can't recover.

If you're not sure whether you qualify for something, apply anyway. The process is free and Centrelink will make the assessment. You have nothing to lose by asking.