You &Widowhood

AN ESSENTIAL INFORMATION GUIDEBEFORE AND AFTER LOSS

“Grief is not an event, it is a jour�ey.

You have to manage g�ief, to lear� to live with it, to integ�ate it into your life and lear� to adjust.

This takes time.”

“ In time you will realise that you have st��ggled for�ard fr om a diffi cult place and to that ex�ent you

have overcome your problems.

You deser�e cong�at�lations!”To assist you to become:

• SELF RELIANT

• FINANCIALLY AWARE

• EMPOWERED

• SELF CONFIDENT

KEY ASSOCIATIONS AND RESOURCES• WWPA (Widows & Women Planning Ahead – Life Circle)

www.lifecircle.org.au Ph: 1300 364 673

• Probate and duties of executor – http://www.legalanswers.sl.nsw.gov.au/guides/wills_estates/probate.html

• Extra assistance – www.humanservices.gov.au

• Australian centre for grief and bereavement. Free call – 1800642066 or www.grief.org.au

• beyondblue – www.beyondblue.org.au

• Solace Association – www.solace.org.au (support for loss of partner)

• The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) – www.asic.gov.au

Ph: 1300 300 630 Interpreter Service: 131 450

Budgeting, saving and spendingwww.money smart.gov.au

• Cancer Council NSW – www.cancercouncil.com.au

Helpline: 13 11 20

• For more information or to order leafl ets call:

Roslyn Salteri 02 9433 8021

Judy Keller 0419 283 383

Readers and users of this leafl et should refer for advice on particular matters and aspects of their circumstances. This leafl et is not intended to provide such advice and neither the author nor the Mater accept any responsibility for any action taken (or inaction) by reason of what is set out in this leafl et.

Date printed: 7th July 2014

This leafl et is intended as your Step-by-Step guide to Self Help and will direct you to resources available in your local community.

STAGE 1This stage covers the period before the death of

your partner. It is suggested you have discussions

with your partner and solicitor to get your affairs

in order.

• access to bank accounts / refer to bank managerand accountant

• stock market or superannuation funds

• insurance policies

• mortgage or debt (outstanding)

• knowledge of investments and superannuation passwords access and whereabouts of

• important fi les and folders

• funeral arrangements and specifi c requests

• possible counselling

• dying at home

Examples of Help Sheets Available• Taking care of yourself

(nutrition / sleep / exercise)

• Funeral services and ceremonies

• Adapting your home environment

• Creating memories and legacy

• Coping with grief and bereavement

• List of community support organisations and resources for carers

STAGE 2This stage covers the early period after the death

of your partner. It is now time to follow up:

• meeting with your accountant and fi nancial advisor

• Centrelink – widow allowance

• superannuation (early release – if applicable)

• access to investments on and off shore / what and where

• legal / probate / will

• deceased accounts – closed with inability to access

• will and taxes

• help sheets are available at humanservices.gov.au

• the Mater Hospital offers a folder with relevant leafl ets

STAGE 3This stage refers to your new life as a widow and

resources you may fi nd useful:

• practical help / help in the home

• WWPA / Sydney Community Foundation Local Councils + Community Centres established local support networks counselling

• childcare – if needed

• transport

• social life

• ongoing living arrangements / real estate decisions

This leaflet is intended as your Step-by-Step guide to Self Help and will direct you to resources available in your local community.

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Examples of Help Sheets Available

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STAGE 3

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This leaflet is intended as your Step-by-Step guide to Self Help and will direct you to resources available in your local community.

STAGE 1

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STAGE 2

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Examples of Help Sheets Available

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STAGE 3

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