6.1.5.5 Grief and loss lump sum
When liability for a death that occurred on or after 6 August 2025 is accepted, close family members 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. who had a genuine personal relationship with the worker, have an entitlement to a lump sum payment in recognition of their grief and loss.
If a family member In relation to a work-related: • severe injury for which immediate inpatient treatment in hospital is received • eligible progressive disease • fatal injury a ‘family member’ means a partner, parent, grandparent, sibling or child of the worker or of the worker's partner. Note: this definition is not the same as a close family member. is also a dependant, dependency does not need to be established for a grief and loss lump sum.
The amount of the grief and loss lump sum is based on the date of death
See: Indexation of entitlements (grief and loss lump sum)
Court determination not required
Unless a claim is disputed, the Magistrates’ Court or County Court is not required to determine the amount of compensation that will be paid to close family members In relation to a work-related: • severe injury for which immediate inpatient treatment in hospital is received • eligible progressive disease • fatal injury a ‘family member’ means a partner, parent, grandparent, sibling or child of the worker or of the worker's partner. Note: this definition is not the same as a close family member. in the form of a grief and loss lump sum.
Deductions from grief and loss lump sum
There are no taxation deductions made to grief and loss lump sum payments.
There are no Centrelink deductions made to grief and loss lump sum payments.