Losing the Family Provider: Making a Dependency Claim
TAC Dependency Claim
Losing a loved one in a transport accident is devastating. Beyond the grief, families are often left with unexpected financial strain, rent, mortgages, school fees, and daily expenses that don’t pause for loss. If the person who passed away was one of your household’s income earners, the impact can be immediate and overwhelming.
In Victoria, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) provides financial support for those left behind. A TAC dependency claim helps dependents of a person who has died in a transport accident to access the compensation they need to regain stability.
Carbone Lawyers understand the emotional and financial challenges that come after such a loss. Our experienced TAC lawyers guide families through every step of the process, ensuring they receive the full support they’re entitled to, with care, transparency, and determination.
Understanding TAC Dependency Claims
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is Victoria’s statutory body that provides compensation for people injured or killed in transport accidents. When a person dies as a result of such an accident, TAC can pay benefits to those who were financially dependent on them.
These benefits may include a lump-sum payment to the surviving partner or dependent children, ongoing income support, and contributions towards household or childcare services that the deceased person used to provide. Funeral expenses and related travel costs can also be covered.
A TAC dependency claim exists to reduce financial hardship, not to place a value on life, but to help families rebuild with dignity and security.
Who Can Make a Dependency Claim
You may be eligible to make a TAC Dependency Claim if you were financially dependent on someone who died in a transport accident in Victoria. This includes:
- A surviving spouse or de facto partner
- Dependent children
- Other family members or carers who relied on the deceased for financial or domestic support
Dependency doesn’t always mean total financial reliance. Even partial support may qualify, depending on your circumstances.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, our team can assess your situation and provide clear, confidential advice before you take any action.
What Support Can Include
Each claim is assessed individually. However, TAC dependency benefits can cover:
- Lump-sum payments for surviving partners and dependent children
- Ongoing fortnightly income payments to replace lost earnings
- Childcare and household support services
- Funeral expenses and related travel costs
- Counselling and psychological support for family members
Carbone Lawyers will ensure that all applicable entitlements are identified and pursued, so your family receives the maximum support available under Victorian law.
TAC Claim Process
The process for a TAC dependency claim involves several stages. While it can appear complex, we help you manage every step so you can focus on your family. The TAC claim process has the following steps:
- Notify TAC about the accident and your intention to make a claim.
- Gather supporting documents, including the death certificate, proof of financial dependency, and relevant income or household records.
- Lodge the claim with TAC, ensuring all required evidence is included.
- TAC assesses the claim, determining eligibility and benefit entitlements.
- Payments and support are arranged, once TAC confirms the claim.
Strict time limits can apply, and claims of this nature are complex, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible after the accident. If you’ve already started the process, we can step in at any point to review your claim and ensure nothing has been overlooked in order to maximise the compensation you may be entitled to.
Common Questions and Answers
I’ve already contacted TAC. Can you still help?
Yes. We can manage communication with TAC at any stage, check that your claim has been assessed correctly, and make sure you’re receiving all available benefits.
It feels uncomfortable to claim money after someone’s death.
That’s completely understandable. TAC dependency claims are not about profit, they’re about ensuring financial stability after a devastating loss. These payments cover essential expenses like housing, childcare, and education, so you can focus on healing.
What if I make a mistake with the forms?
You don’t need to worry. Our team manages all correspondence with TAC and ensures that your documentation is complete and accurate. However, we recommend contacting Carbone Lawyers at the earliest opportunity and to help you submit your claim, as this ensures a smooth process from the outset.
Can I also claim superannuation or life insurance?
Yes. You may be entitled to claim multiple forms of support, including superannuation or life insurance. We’ll help identify every potential entitlement, so your family receives the full financial support available.
Why Families Choose Carbone Lawyers
Carbone Lawyers has extensive experience helping Victorians with TAC and transport accident claims. Our lawyers are experts in fatal accident and dependency cases and understand both the legal and emotional complexities involved.
We combine expertise with compassion. From preparing paperwork and managing TAC communication to ensuring you receive every dollar you’re entitled to, we handle it all.
Clients choose Carbone Lawyers because we listen, explain your rights clearly, and fight for the best outcome. Don’t settle for less, settle for confidence that your family’s future is secure.
What to Prepare Before You Call
You don’t need to have everything ready, but these details can help us start your claim quickly:
- The full name and date of birth of the deceased
- The date and brief circumstances of the accident
- Any TAC or police reference numbers
- Evidence of financial or domestic support provided by the deceased
- Funeral or household expense details
If any of this information is missing, we can help you obtain it.
Next Steps
You don’t have to face TAC alone. The process can be complex and emotionally draining, but you have the right to trusted legal guidance. Contact Carbone Lawyers to speak with a lawyer experienced in TAC dependency claims today.
