Lump sum death benefits

If a dependant meets the criteria set out in the Motor Accidents (Compensation) Act 1979, they may be entitled to receive lump sum death benefits as follows:

• Surviving spouse or de facto partner with no dependent children
  A lump sum death benefit entitlement may be paid to the surviving spouse or de facto. 

• Surviving spouse or de facto partner with dependent children
  The lump sum death benefit is shared by the surviving spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. Depending on the number of dependent children, they will each receive a percentage of the total lump sum death benefit. This money will be held by the Public Trustee and become available when the child reaches 18 years of age. 

• Surviving dependent children only
  The lump sum death benefit is shared between dependent children and is held by the Public Trustee and becomes available when each child reaches 18 years of age. 

• No surviving spouse, de facto or dependent children
  If there is no surviving spouse, de facto or dependent children, a parent who lived with the deceased and was financially dependent upon them, may be entitled to receive the lump sum death benefit.