6.1.5.3 Dependency lump sum
6.1.5.3.1 Current dependency lump sum amounts
When liability and dependency have been accepted, dependants have an entitlement to a dependency lump sum payment.
If the worker’s death occurred before 6 August 2025, and it is established that there is a dependent partner and/or child no other person is entitled to a dependency lump sum.
If the worker’s death occurred on or after 6 August 2025 and it is established that there is a dependent partner and/or child:
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other dependent persons are entitled to a dependency lump sum
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all dependants who are a close family member In relation to a work-related death, a ‘close family member’ of a worker means a person who, at the time of the worker’s death: • was a partner, parent, guardian, step-parent, grandparent, sibling or step-sibling of the worker or a person to whom the worker was a parent, step-parent or guardian, and • had a genuine personal relationship with the worker. are entitled to a lump sum in recognition of their grief and loss.
Agent determines entitlements
For dependency claims where there are no unrepresented dependants, persons under a disability, minors or unborn children, the Agent determines who is a dependant and how the lump sum is to be distributed to the dependant/s in accordance with the legislation.
Court determines entitlements
The Magistrates’ Court or County Court determines who is a dependant and how the lump sum is to be distributed to the dependant/s in accordance with the legislation for all claims where there are unrepresented dependants, persons under a disability, minors or unborn children. The Magistrates’ Court or County Court will also determine any disputed claims.
The amount of the dependency lump sum is calculated in accordance with the legislation and based on the date of death.
See: Indexation of entitlements (dependency lump sums).
Deductions from dependency lump sum
There are no taxation deductions made to dependency lump sum payments.
There are no Centrelink deduction made to dependency lump sum payments.
See: Impact of taxation | Centrelink payments