Income test for surviving partner

A Funeral Grant can be paid if the surviving partner has annual income below the appropriate income limit.

Note surviving partners who are getting a main benefit must also meet the income test. Main benefit payments must not be included as income.

The surviving partner's annual income is their estimated income for the 52 weeks from the day following the deceased person's death.

The income limit will depend on the surviving partner's circumstances following the date of their partner's death.

A Funeral Grant cannot be paid if the surviving partner's income exceeds the income limit.

Samir has applied for a Funeral Grant for his partner Nina's reasonable funeral expenses.

Following Nina's death, Samir is a sole parent with 1 child. He is totally blind and gets Supported Living Payment. His total estimated annual income from his job is $47,450.

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

A Funeral Grant cannot be paid as Samir's estimated annual income exceeds the income limit.