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Single Parent PathSearch

Other circumstances

Bereavement, kinship and other caring arrangements

Find support when a parent has died or someone other than a parent takes on care.

Explain the actual change to the relevant agencies

Bereavement and kinship care are not simply separation claims. Tell Services Australia about the actual change and ask which family assistance or income support may fit. A bereavement does not automatically create a new payment for every family.

Non-parent carers may need to provide evidence of care and ask about decision-making authority. State kinship services, child-protection arrangements and legal advice can have separate roles. Do not assume a payment decision gives legal guardianship.

Ask about specialised assistance

Double Orphan Pension has limited eligibility conditions. It is not a general payment whenever a child has an absent parent. Use the official guide and ask Services Australia to assess the particular circumstances.

Disability or unpaid-caring support may also be relevant. Check each program separately, including the effects of income, residence, existing payments and the child's circumstances.

Take estate and child-support questions to the right service

An estate, insurance benefit, superannuation nomination, parenting order and ongoing care arrangement can involve different processes. Ask a qualified adviser about authority and deadlines before signing or distributing assets. Notify each relevant provider rather than expecting a single report to update everything.

Ask a GP, school or grief-support service about children's wellbeing. Practical community help and carer services may ease the immediate workload. Your state page links to local legal and health routes.

Your next step

Use the official links above, or find local services in your state.

Sources for this guide

Related guides

Wording reviewed 5 October 2026. Numerical rules have separate verification dates on Sources and updates.