What to do after a death

• Hours 1–6: medical confirmation/certification begins. If the death is unexpected or reportable, police and the coroner may be involved.
• Days 1–3: choose a funeral director (if using one), begin planning, and start a simple document folder (ID, Medicare, bank, insurance, super).
• Days 3–7 (often): death registration is lodged through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in the state/territory where the death occurred (timing varies, and can be longer if the coroner is involved).
• Week 1: notify Services Australia (Centrelink/Medicare/Child Support as relevant), contact super funds, and lock down fraud risks (mail, devices, scams).
• Weeks 2+: estate steps (executor/administrator tasks, probate if needed, debts/taxes, distributions) — varies by state and by asset types.

• At home (expected death): call the person’s GP, palliative care team, or community nursing service. A doctor (or authorised practitioner, depending on state/territory rules) will attend and begin the medical paperwork.
• At home (unexpected or unclear): call 000. Police/paramedics may attend and the death may be referred to the coroner.
• In hospital: the hospital bereavement team will guide you on viewing, collecting belongings, and paperwork.
• In aged care: staff will contact the right clinician and explain next steps, including certification and who to speak with.

• Secure pets immediately: water, shade/airflow, and a plan for overnight care. Australia’s heat can become a practical emergency fast.
• Secure the home: lock doors/windows, gather keys, secure valuables, and limit visitors if you can.
• Medication safety: secure medications (especially controlled items).
• Gather visible documents: Medicare card, driver licence, passport, bank cards, insurance info, recent bills, and any super/pension letters.
• Choose one communicator: appoint someone to update family/friends so you don’t carry the message burden alone.
• Write down basics: time/date, who attended, and any instructions. Fatigue makes details blur later.
• Remote/rural note: if the property is remote, prioritise security, refrigeration/air flow, and who can stay on site. Distance can magnify small risks.

In Australia, a clinician usually completes a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death when the cause is known and the death is not “reportable”. The exact workflow can vary by state/territory, but the aim is the same: medical certification that enables death registration and funeral arrangements.

• If the death occurred in hospital or aged care, staff usually coordinate the certificate and related steps.
• If the death occurred at home and was expected, your GP/palliative team will advise what happens next and what timelines to expect.
• Funeral arrangements typically can’t proceed without certification — or coroner authority if the death is reportable.

A death may be reported to the coroner if it was unexpected, the cause is unknown, there was an accident or injury, there are concerns about the circumstances, or the person died in legally defined situations (rules vary by state/territory).

• If the death is reportable, police may attend and the coroner may order examinations to establish cause of death.
• Coroner involvement can affect when the funeral can proceed and when a formal death certificate is available.
• Not every reportable death results in an inquest — many are investigated and finalised without a public hearing.

Deaths are registered with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in the state/territory where the death occurred. In many cases, the funeral director helps lodge registration, and the registry issues the official death certificate.

• Ask your funeral director (or the hospital/aged care team) whether they will lodge the registration for you.
• Order certified copies if you’ll be dealing with banks, insurers, superannuation, and property transfers (it can reduce delays).
• State/territory processes differ (forms, ID checks, fees, and processing times). Your funeral director can usually guide you through the local requirements.

You can use a funeral director or arrange a funeral yourself. Costs can vary widely across Australia (major cities vs regional areas) and depending on choices.

• Decide on burial or cremation.
• Choose the ceremony style: religious, non-religious, or blended. Consider location (chapel, church, crematorium, graveside, home/community venue).
• Ask for a written quote and clarify what’s included vs third-party fees (cemetery/ crematorium fees, celebrant/clergy, notices, flowers, venue, transport).
• If the death is with the coroner, ask what approvals are needed before the timing can be confirmed.

• Secure mail: collect post daily; if the home is empty or remote, ensure the mailbox is secure. Consider redirection when you have capacity.
• Preserve digital access: keep the phone and email safe and accessible if possible (many accounts rely on SMS/email codes).
• Be scam-aware: be cautious of callers claiming to “release super”, “refund funeral payments”, or “process benefits” for a fee. Verify via official contact details.
• Don’t rush irreversible actions: avoid closing accounts or cancelling phone plans in week one if it could block access and authentication.

If the person received government payments or services, you’ll often need to notify Services Australia (Centrelink/Medicare/Child Support). Eligibility for bereavement supports depends on circumstances.

• Services Australia: update relevant records and ask what happens next for any payments.
• Medicare: update records where needed (household/linked details can matter).
• myGov: preserve access if you can (don’t rush to close accounts; focus on access and documentation first).

• Many Australians have more than one super fund. Check mail, emails, myGov, and any employer records for multiple accounts.
• Ask whether there is a binding nomination (and whether it is current) — this can affect who receives benefits and how quickly decisions are made.
• Super funds typically require proof of death and identity documents for claimants. Processing times vary.
• If life insurance is held inside super, it may be claimed through the super fund’s process.

• Preserve access: keep the phone and email safe. Many accounts rely on SMS/email codes (2FA).
• Don’t delete in week one: preserve photos/documents and document what accounts exist.
• Social media: there is no rush. Consider memorialisation options later if helpful.

• Locate the will (and contact the solicitor if you know who holds it).
• Identify the executor. If there’s no will, the estate follows intestacy rules (state/territory-based) and someone may apply to act.
• Secure the home and valuables. If the home will be empty, check insurance vacancy conditions.
• Gather key documents: ID, bank statements, super details, insurance policies, property and vehicle paperwork, and a list of debts.
• Keep receipts for essential expenses and maintain a simple call/decision log.