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Overview
After a sudden or unexpected death, financial help may be available such as, for funeral costs. This page explains some types of financial support that may be available if the death has been referred to the coroner.
Funeral, burial and living expenses
Depending on the situation, financial help may be available for funeral costs and living expenses.
Financial help is not provided by the Coroners Court. Different agencies provide different types of support.
Find more information about financial help if a loved one has died | Govt.nz(external link)
If a death is caused by an injury or accident
ACC may provide financial help if someone in your family or whānau has died from an injury or an accident.
This may include help with funeral or memorial costs, one-off payments, and loss of income support. You can contact ACC for more information.
Funeral Grant
Work and Income may provide a Funeral Grant to help with funeral costs. Work and Income will look at financial circumstances before deciding whether a grant can be paid.
- Phone: 0800 559 009
- Website: Funeral Grant | Work and Income(external link)
Legal aid for an inquest
You do not need to have a lawyer at an inquest, but you can choose to have one.
If you have a lawyer represent you, you usually need to meet that cost. If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may be available depending on the situation. Legal aid is not available for hearings on the papers in the Coroners Court.
You can find more information from the page below.
You can also phone legal aid on 0800 253 425.
Costs related to attending an inquest
Family and whānau may be able to get help with costs related to attending an inquest. In exceptional circumstances domestic travel, accommodation, and/or daily allowances may be available if:
- you are the immediate family of the person who died
- you are experiencing financial hardship
- you need to attend an inquest away from where you usually live.