Life insurance
Notify each life insurer with the death certificate; check employer group schemes and cover inside superannuation
Some steps differ by region inside the country.
Where
Inside their super funds first, then any personal policy, then employer cover. Their broker or adviser can confirm.
How
Check every super fund, since most Australians hold default life and TPD cover inside super.
Review 12 months of bank statements for premium payments to identify standalone policies.
Ask their employer about any group cover held outside super.
Ask each insurer whether the policy included funeral cover or an advance payment to help with immediate costs.
What to bring
A certified copy of the death certificate
Member and policy numbers
Proof of your relationship and any dependency
Timing
Claims through super commonly take 3 to 12 months. Standalone policies are often faster.
This is practical information, not legal, medical, or financial advice.