What happens if you can't pay for a funeral in NSW?
When there is no money to pay for a funeral, if the deceased person had no money or assets they are called 'destitute'. The government may pay for a destitute funeral.
If the person died in a Public Health Facility, like a hospital or nursing home, a social worker will usually contact relatives to ask whether they can arrange the funeral. The social worker may also ask police to assist with contacting relatives. If there is no relative willing to pay for the funeral, the social worker will usually arrange the funeral.
The cost of a destitute funeral is paid by the Area Health Service and is a basic funeral service. The Area Health Service will contact the deceased's next of kin to let them know about the funeral arrangements so that relatives and friends can attend.
In Regional areas, such as the Eurobodalla, there may not be a Social Worker available to assist, so if you find that you are a relative or friend of someone who has died without any funds for a funeral, the best advice is to go to your local Police Station and ask for the forms so you can apply to the NSW Government for a Destitute Funeral.
Charitable organisations such as St Vincent de Paul, Anglicare and the Salvation Army may also be able to provide some assistance.
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