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A free home for the people we carry — diggers and grandparents, mates and mums. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we remember.

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What to do when someone dies in Australia

Practical steps for every state and territory — registration, superannuation, probate and the funeral.

  1. 1

    Register the death with Births, Deaths and Marriages

    Each state and territory runs its own BDM registry. The funeral director normally lodges the registration within 7 days. Order at least 3 certified death certificates — banks, superannuation funds and probate will each ask for one.

  2. 2

    Notify Services Australia and the ATO

    Services Australia handles Age Pension, Centrelink, Medicare and the Bereavement Payment. The ATO needs a final tax return and you should also notify the deceased's super fund — death benefits and insurance are often paid from super.

  3. 3

    Plan the funeral or memorial

    Australian funerals can be church-based, civil, Indigenous Sorry Business, or a beach-side celebration of life. A funeral director or independent celebrant will guide you through the options. Many councils offer community memorial gardens at low cost.

  4. 4

    Probate and the estate

    The executor applies for probate at the Supreme Court in the state where the deceased lived. Without a will, the next of kin applies for letters of administration. Small estates under state-specific thresholds often don't need probate at all.

Bereavement support

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Create a free page for someone you love. The footy team they barracked for, the surf break they taught you, the recipe nan wouldn't write down.

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Common questions

How do I register a death in Australia?
Death registration is handled by each state and territory's Births, Deaths and Marriages office (NSW BDM, BDM Victoria, Queensland RBDM, Service WA, and so on). The funeral director normally lodges the registration on behalf of the family. Order at least five certified death certificates for banks, super funds, insurers and probate.
When is ANZAC Day and how is it observed?
ANZAC Day falls on 25 April each year, marking the 1915 Gallipoli landing. Dawn services are held at war memorials across every Australian state and territory, followed by the march and commemorations. The minute's silence is observed at 11am and again at the Last Post.
What bereavement support is available in Australia?
GriefLine (1300 845 745) offers free national grief counselling. Lifeline (13 11 14) provides 24/7 crisis support. Open Arms (1800 011 046) supports veterans and their families. The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, Red Nose Grief and Loss and StandBy After Suicide cover specialist needs.
Is there a bereavement payment from Centrelink?
Yes. Services Australia administers the Bereavement Payment for partners of pensioners and recipients of certain payments, plus a one-off lump sum in some cases. Eligibility depends on the deceased's and survivor's circumstances — check servicesaustralia.gov.au for the current rules.
Are TributeLegacy memorial pages free for Australian families?
Yes. Creating a memorial page on TributeLegacy is free for families across Australia. Add photos, music, the footy team, the surf break, the regiment — and invite family across every state and overseas to light a candle and leave a tribute.