Financial help when someone dies
You don't need to be on a benefit to get help. Here's what's available.
Help is available. You do not need to be on a benefit to apply for a funeral grant. The estate does not need to be empty — but it does need to be unable to meet the full cost.
Work and Income funeral grant
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Maximum amount | $2,616.12 (from 1 April 2025) |
| Who can apply | Anyone — you don't need to be on a benefit |
| Eligibility | The estate must be unable to pay. Asset and income tested. |
| Repayable? | No |
| How to apply | Form S04 via Work and Income |
| Phone | 0800 559 009 |
ACC funeral grant
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Amount | ~$7,880 (2026 figure) |
| Eligibility | Only for deaths resulting from an accident covered by ACC |
| Other ACC entitlements | Survivor's grant (lump sum), weekly compensation for dependants, child care payments, transport costs |
| Phone | 0800 101 996 |
Accident-related deaths: ACC entitlements are significantly more generous than the standard funeral grant. If the death was from any kind of accident — car crash, workplace injury, fall, medical treatment injury — contact ACC immediately.
Other sources of financial help
| Source | Notes |
|---|---|
| The estate itself | Funeral costs are a first charge against the estate — they are paid before other debts. |
| Life insurance | Check for policies with the deceased's insurer, employer, or bank (some bank accounts include basic life cover). |
| KiwiSaver | The balance is paid to the estate on death. |
| Pre-paid funeral plan | Check if the deceased had one — ask family, their solicitor, or Public Trust. |
| Employer death benefit | Check the employment agreement. |
| Veterans' Affairs | Additional entitlements for veterans. |
| Community / church / marae | Many communities support whanau with funeral costs through collections or koha. |
Reducing costs
If money is tight, consider:
- Direct cremation — from ~$2,000 with providers like Budget Cremations, Value Cremations. See full cost breakdown.
- Family-led funeral — legal in NZ, can cost a few hundred dollars. See family-led funerals.
- Skip what's optional — embalming, viewing, newspaper death notices, flowers, and a funeral director are all optional. See what's legally required vs optional.
- Hold a memorial later — a direct cremation now and a memorial gathering later (at home, a park, a marae) keeps immediate costs low.
A meaningful farewell does not need to be expensive. Some of the most beautiful memorials cost very little.
Sources
Work and Income funeral grant: workandincome.govt.nz (amount as of 1 April 2025) · ACC funeral grant: acc.co.nz (amount as of 2026) · Government financial help guide: govt.nz
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional.
Dollar figures and entitlements change periodically. We link to authoritative sources where possible. Last reviewed: April 2026.