Financial assistance

Financial assistance

Financial assistance

Are we entitled to a funeral grant?

You can apply for a funeral grant through Work and Income New Zealand. It is not designed to cover all of the funeral expenses and is income and asset tested. It is only available if the deceased was a NZ citizen or permanent resident and living in New Zealand at the time of their death. 

What does a funeral grant cover?

A funeral grant covers: 

  • Professional services for preparing the body for cremation or burial (e.g. embalming);
  • The cost of a casket;
  • Newspaper notice costs;
  • Hearse fees;
  • Compulsory fees for buying a burial plot; and
  • Cremation fees.

Can ACC assist?

If the deceased died from a personal injury that is covered by the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Act 2011, funeral costs to a certain amount will be paid by ACC. A form needs to be completed and can be downloaded from ACC or you can call the Accidental Death Unit on 0800 222 075 for further information.

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The Bereavement Help is a free service to all New Zealanders.

We are available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.