Funeral expenses through the Victims Support Scheme
If a person has died as a result of a homicide in NSW, the Victims Support Scheme can provide support to cover their funeral costs. Learn how to apply.
Victims Services is here to help. Call the Victims Access Line 1800 633 063 or Aboriginal Contact Line 1800 019 123 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).
What support is available
If a person has died as a result of a homicide in NSW, the Victims Support Scheme can provide up to $9,500 to cover funeral expenses.
The Victims Support Scheme can cover a range of expenses associated with a funeral. These expenses may include:
- audio visual
- balloons and soft toys (for child victims)
- coffin or casket
- costs that relate to use of facilities
- cremation and burial fees
- embalming
- flowers
- headstone
- memorial expenses
- minister or clergy fees
- printing costs, such as service sheets
- obituary notice
- repatriation
- wake-related expenses.
How to apply
Family victims of homicide
If you’re a family victim of homicide, see Support for family members of a homicide victim through the Victims Support Scheme for information about the support available, what you need to apply and how to apply.
Funeral directors
If you’re a funeral director:
- complete the Funeral expenses for a funeral director form online, or
- download the Application for funeral expenses by a funeral director form and submit your completed form with supporting documents to Victims Services by email or post.
Some people are not eligible for victims support
Some people are not eligible for support, even if they are a victim of crime.
For more information on persons who are not eligible, see section 25 of the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013.
When support may be declined or reduced
There are also circumstances where support may be declined or the amount reduced. For more information on those circumstances, see section 44 of the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013.
Factors for consideration under section 44 include, but are not limited to:
- any behaviour on the part of the deceased which has directly or indirectly contributed to their death, including past criminal activity
- any money the applicant has received from another source in relation to the violent crime, including under an insurance policy or other agreement.
We're here to help
The Victims Support Scheme is administered by the Commissioner of Victims Rights. Victims Services, part of the Department of Communities and Justice, assists the Commissioner to administer the Scheme.
We understand that violent crime, modern slavery and road crime can affect people in different ways.
If you have any questions about victims support or making an application, Victims Services is here to help.
Contact Victims Services
Call (Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm)
- Victims Access Line on 1800 633 063
- Aboriginal Contact Line on 1800 019 123
For the National Relay Service, call 13 36 77 (TTY) or 1300 555 727 (Speak and Listen).
For interpreter support, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.
Post
Commissioner of Victims Rights
Victims Services
Department of Communities and Justice
Locked Bag 5118
PARRAMATTA NSW 2124