Claiming when someone dies at work
If someone dies at work or from a work-related injury or illness, a member of their family may be able to claim for dependency.
- The Workers' Psychological Support Service provides support and guidance for Queensland workers who have been impacted by a work-related psychological injury, as well as their families and others affected by a serious work-related injury or fatality. Experienced social workers connect clients with community services appropriate to their needs. These services can be accessed before, during or after a claim.
Call 1800 370 732 or visit wpss.org.au.
Please note, this is not a crisis service. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, call Lifeline any time on 13 11 14. If life is in immediate danger call 000.
- Families making a claim can contact the Workers' Compensation Information and Advisory Service for Workers (WCIAS for Workers) for support navigating the Queensland workers’ compensation system, including making claims, timelines for claims, understanding a decision made on a claim, and lodging applications for review of rejected claims. Call 1800 102 166, email info@wcias.org.au or visit wcias.org.au.
- Employers supporting a family to make a claim can contact the Workers’ Compensation Information and Advisory Service for Employers (WCIAS for Employers) for support navigating the Queensland workers’ compensation system, including making claims, timelines for claims, understanding a decision made on a claim, and lodging applications for review of rejected claims. Call 1300 365 855, email advice@wcias.com.au or visit the WCIAS for Employers.
Who can claim?
A family member of the person who has died, such as their husband, wife, de facto spouse, or child, may be able to claim.
A person who is not related but dependent on somebody who has died at work may also be able to claim. A ‘dependant’ is defined under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.
What can be claimed?
Compensation when somebody has died might be a lump sum, quarterly payments or even help with funeral costs.
First steps
A family member of the person who has died should call their family member’s insurer (WorkCover Queensland or a self-insurer) who will walk them through their claim application. It’s a good idea to ask a friend or another family member for support as well.
Insurers can provide more information on how to make a claim.
Latent onset injuries or illnesses
A ‘latent onset injury’ is a condition caused by exposure to something (e.g. the sun or a chemical) but that takes a long time to make a person sick. Examples of this are skin cancer and mesothelioma.
When a family member makes a claim for someone who has died from a latent onset injury, an insurer will need to work out whether the person who died was a worker when they were exposed to whatever caused their illness.
Some things that will help an insurer to do this are:
- a statement from a worker’s family about the deceased person's work history and relevant exposure
- tax returns, payslips or other employment documents dated during the period of exposure.
If there are no documents available that prove employment, statements from co-workers can be included as evidence.
Other support
The Consultative committee for work-related fatalities and serious incidents was established to ensure there is an ongoing consultative forum for injured workers and families affected by a workplace death, illness or serious incident.
Learn more about what help is available if someone dies at work.
Insurers can provide more information about fatal claims.