Releasing funds for funeral costs

We can often release funds from the deceased’s accounts to pay for funeral expenses.

Arranging a funeral

If you’ve already notified us about a bereavement, some things to consider include checking for funeral insurance, engaging a funeral director, and arranging a death notice.

You’ll also need to register the death for a death certificate. The New Zealand Government website has information on how to do this.

Paying for funeral expenses

We assess whether we can release funds from the deceased’s accounts to pay for funeral expenses on a case by case basis. If funds are released, we’ll make the payment either directly to the funeral director, or to the person who paid for the funeral on behalf of the estate.^ We’ll make the payment on receipt of the invoice, by debiting the deceased’s account for the amount paid.

To make a request, we’ll need:

• a copy of the funeral invoice 
• a copy of the death certificate (if you have this) 
• Deceased estates indemnity and claim form (PDF 86KB) completed by your funeral director, your solicitor, or you (with a copy of your photo ID).

What we can’t release funds for

We’re unable to release funds if they’re not on the funeral invoice, for example travel to the funeral or accommodation.

Bereavement support

For support and information about our process of managing an estate, visit our bereavement assistance page.