Income test for parents

A Funeral Grant can be paid towards a deceased child's reasonable funeral expenses if the parents have annual income below the appropriate income limit.

Note parents who are getting a main benefit must also meet the income test. The parent's annual income is their estimated income for the 52 weeks from the day following the child's death.

Main benefit payments must not be included as income.

A Funeral Grant cannot be paid if the parents income exceeds the income limit.

The income limit will depend on the parent's circumstances following the date of the child's death.

Note if the parents are separated, asset and income details are not required for the estranged other parent or any other person who is liable in law to maintain the child.

Pia has applied for a Funeral Grant for her child Tiana's reasonable funeral expenses.

Pia is a sole parent with 1 other child. She is getting Sole Parent Support and is working part-time. Her total estimated annual income from her part-time job is $46,898.

The Funeral Grant income limit for a single parent with 1 other child is $46,745.92 as at 1 April 2026.

A Funeral Grant cannot be paid as Pia's estimated annual income from her part-time job exceeds the Funeral Grant income limit.