When a veteran passes away, families may be faced with significant emotional and financial pressures. In addition to ongoing pensions and other dependant benefits, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides bereavement payments and funeral benefits that may help ease some of the financial burden following the death of an eligible veteran.
Understanding what support may be available, who can receive it and whether an application is required can be difficult, particularly when families are already dealing with the loss of a loved one.
At Apex Financial Services Group, we help veterans and their families understand their financial position and the benefits that may be available to them.
What are DVA Bereavement Payments?
A DVA bereavement payment is a one-off payment designed to provide financial support following the death of an eligible veteran or current or former serving member.
The payment available depends on the type of DVA payment the veteran was receiving before their death, their relationship status and whether their benefits were provided under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
For eligible couples, the surviving partner may receive a bereavement payment following the veteran’s death. In some circumstances, payments may instead be made to the veteran’s estate.
Bereavement payments for surviving partners
Where a veteran was a member of a couple and was receiving an eligible income support pension, the surviving partner may generally receive a bereavement payment based on the veteran’s pension entitlements.
For eligible VEA income support pension recipients, the surviving partner may continue to receive the veteran’s pension entitlements for 98 days following their death. In most cases, the bereavement payment is made as a lump sum after DVA has been notified of the death.
The calculation can depend on the circumstances of the couple and the payments being received before the veteran’s death.
Where the veteran was receiving certain Disability Compensation Payments, a surviving partner may also be entitled to a bereavement payment. Under the VEA, this can be equivalent to six fortnightly pension instalments in certain circumstances.
Under the MRCA, a wholly dependent partner may also be entitled to a bereavement payment where the deceased member was receiving, or entitled to receive, eligible payments such as incapacity payments, permanent impairment periodic payments, Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) or Additional Disablement Amount (ADA) at the time of their death.
What happens if the veteran was single?
If the veteran was single, separated or widowed at the time of their death, a bereavement payment may in some circumstances be paid to their estate.
For example, under the VEA, a single veteran receiving a Special Rate Disability Pension (TPI) or an Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) may qualify for a bereavement payment if they died in what DVA considers to be “needy circumstances”.
This generally means the estate does not have sufficient funds to meet outstanding liabilities, including funeral expenses.
Unlike payments to surviving partners, an application may be required in these circumstances.
DVA funeral benefits
DVA may also provide financial assistance towards the funeral costs of an eligible veteran.
Depending on the veteran’s circumstances and the legislation that applies, assistance may contribute towards expenses such as:
- Funeral services
- Burial or cremation
- Memorial ceremonies
- Wakes and similar observances
- Transportation of the veteran’s remains
The rules around funeral assistance changed from 1 July 2026, so it is important for families to understand which benefit may apply.
The $3,000 automatic funeral benefit
Under the current arrangements, certain veterans may automatically qualify for a $3,000 funeral benefit.
This includes eligible veterans who were receiving:
- Special Rate (TPI) Disability Compensation Payment
- Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) Disability Compensation Payment
- Disability Compensation Payment plus an allowance as a multiple amputee
- Certain benefits available to former prisoners of war
In these circumstances, DVA can automatically process the funeral benefit after being notified of the veteran’s death.
Higher funeral expense assistance under the MRCA
From 1 July 2026, eligible families may also be able to claim higher funeral expense compensation under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
This can apply where, for example, the veteran’s death has been accepted as service-related, the veteran had a high level of impairment, or they were eligible for the Special Rate Disability Pension during their lifetime.
The current indexed higher rate is $14,990.43, with the amount payable subject to the relevant eligibility requirements and the actual cost of the funeral.
Importantly, where an automatic lower-rate funeral benefit has already been paid, it may be taken into account when calculating any additional amount payable under the MRCA.
Do you have to apply for DVA bereavement payments?
Some payments are made automatically, while others require an application.
For example, where an eligible veteran was a member of a couple, DVA generally does not require a separate application for the VEA bereavement payment. The payment can be processed after DVA has been notified of the death.
However, certain payments to the estate of a single veteran and some funeral benefits do require an application.
For a VEA funeral benefit, DVA states that applications should generally be made within 12 months of the veteran’s death, although specific circumstances can affect the requirements.
This is why it is important to notify DVA as soon as possible following the veteran’s death and ask what benefits may be available.
What should families do when a veteran dies?
Losing a veteran can be an incredibly difficult experience, and understanding the financial arrangements may be the last thing a family wants to think about.
However, taking a few important steps can help ensure potential entitlements aren’t overlooked.
1. Notify DVA of the veteran’s death
DVA needs to be notified so that payments can be reviewed and bereavement entitlements can be considered.
2. Ask DVA what bereavement payments may apply
The payment available will depend on the veteran’s circumstances, including the type of pension or compensation they were receiving.
3. Check funeral benefits
Don’t assume that funeral assistance is unavailable simply because the veteran’s death was not service-related. Certain veterans may qualify for assistance based on their circumstances, including some TPI, EDA and former prisoner of war veterans.
4. Check whether an application is required
While some benefits are automatic, others require a claim to be lodged. Missing an application deadline could potentially affect the assistance available.
5. Review the family’s ongoing financial position
Bereavement payments and funeral assistance are only part of the financial considerations following the death of a veteran.
Depending on the circumstances, families may also need to consider ongoing pensions, dependant benefits, superannuation, insurance, investments, estate planning and other financial arrangements.
Why understanding your DVA entitlements matters
DVA benefits can be complex, particularly where a veteran has received payments under different legislation or has a combination of DVA, superannuation and other financial arrangements.
The changes that commenced on 1 July 2026 also mean that families should not rely solely on older information about DVA funeral benefits and bereavement payments.
Understanding what you may be entitled to can help your family make informed financial decisions during an already difficult period.
At Apex Financial Services Group, we specialise in helping veterans and their families understand their financial position and navigate the complexities that can come with DVA benefits, superannuation and retirement planning.
If you have recently lost a veteran family member or want to understand what financial arrangements should be considered as part of your planning, speaking with a qualified financial adviser may help you understand your options.
Click here to reach out to our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a DVA bereavement payment last?
For eligible surviving partners of VEA income support pension recipients, the bereavement payment can reflect pension entitlements for up to 98 days following the veteran’s death. The exact payment depends on the circumstances and the veteran’s previous pension arrangements.
Who is eligible for a DVA bereavement payment?
Eligibility depends on the veteran’s circumstances and the type of DVA payment they were receiving. Surviving partners may be eligible in a range of circumstances, while some single veterans may have payments made to their estate. MRCA also provides bereavement payments for eligible wholly dependent partners.
Does DVA pay for a veteran’s funeral?
DVA may provide financial assistance towards funeral expenses for eligible veterans. The amount and eligibility depend on the veteran’s circumstances and the legislation that applies. From 1 July 2026, certain veterans may receive an automatic $3,000 funeral benefit, while eligible families may also be able to claim higher funeral expense compensation under the MRCA.
How much is the DVA funeral benefit?
Under the current arrangements, the automatic VEA funeral benefit is $3,000 for eligible veterans. A higher rate of funeral expense compensation may be available under the MRCA, with the current indexed maximum being $14,990.43, subject to eligibility and other requirements.
Do I need to apply for a DVA funeral benefit?
Not always. Some eligible veterans automatically qualify for the $3,000 funeral benefit. Other circumstances require an application, so families should contact DVA and check what assistance is available.
How long do I have to claim a DVA funeral benefit?
For many VEA funeral benefit claims, the application should generally be made within 12 months of the veteran’s death. Different rules can apply depending on the circumstances, so it is important to check with DVA as soon as possible.
What happens to a veteran’s pension when they die?
A veteran’s pension does not simply continue indefinitely after death. Depending on the type of payment and the veteran’s circumstances, a surviving partner or estate may be entitled to a bereavement payment or other dependant benefits. The rules differ between income support and compensation payments.
Can a financial adviser help after the death of a veteran?
Yes. A financial adviser can help a surviving partner or family understand their broader financial position, including DVA payments, superannuation, insurance, investments, cash flow and ongoing financial needs.
Important: DVA entitlements can depend on individual circumstances and the legislation that applies. The information in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon as personal financial or legal advice. DVA rules and payment rates can change, so families should confirm their individual eligibility directly with DVA.