When selecting a funeral director, choose one that is licensed and has a good reputation. The
Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) has a
listing of funeral directors with AFDA membership.
Consider the following when planning a funeral:
- Be an informed consumer and don’t be reluctant to ask questions.
- Discuss all available options before making a decision that fits your financial needs and wishes.
- Plan a personalised ceremony or service to help you begin the healing process. Getting through grief is never easy but having a meaningful funeral or tribute will help.
Ensure you:
- Consult the will of the deceased for any unique funeral arrangements to be made.
- Inform relevant people as quickly as possible.
- Consider the location, type of service, casket or urn, flowers, music, cars, eulogy and pallbearers.
- Provide relevant information (surviving family members, location of services etc.) for the newspaper notices.
AFDA has more information and can provide answers to frequently asked questions.
What if I can't afford to pay?
If you are unable to pay for a family member’s funeral, you may be eligible for financial assistance to cover the costs of a basic funeral and related expenses.
The income, assets and liabilities of the deceased and their close relatives is taken into account when assessing eligibility.
How to apply
- If you have not already made arrangements for the funeral with a private funeral director, download the Funeral Assistance Program brochure. You can complete a request for funeral assistance form or ring the Funeral Assistance Program on 1300 762 577 or 8226 6789 (TTY).
- If you have already received an account for funeral expenses from a funeral director which has not yet been fully paid, you should contact your nearest Families SA district centre and arrange a financial counselling appointment. You will need to provide a copy of the original funeral account and details about any payments made to date.