Pre-Paid Funerals

About this guide

This guide is provided by Funeral Plan Management Pty Ltd ABN 30 003 769 640 (called "Funeral Plan Management") on behalf of your funeral director. The material in this guide was current at the time of production and gives general information about pre planning and pre paying a funeral.
For more detailed information about the benefits of preplanning your funeral, we suggest you discuss your needs with your funeral director or contact Funeral Plan Management on Freecall 1800 804 731.

Benefits of pre-planning

A little forethought, a great deal of benefit-
A funeral and the bereavement that goes with it will affect a family and loved ones both emotionally and financially. But with a little forethought and pre-planning, we have the opportunity to relieve some of the burdens from those closest to us.
Planning ahead ~ A practical approach
When you think about it pre planning is something we do all the time. We put money aside for travel, for retirement and other important events. It makes sense to approach planning ahead for a funeral in exactly the same way.
With the help of a professional funeral director, it's really just like making a Will.
Not sad or sombre. Just simple, sensible and practical.

Have it your way

It's a good opportunity to have an open family discussion about your preferences. This way everyone is aware of your wishes and knows who to contact and where important documents are kept.
By pre planning a funeral, you choose the type and style of funeral service you want and how much you wish to spend.
A few decisions now will save your family a lot of anguish later. You are able to select:

• the type and style of funeral
• whether you'd prefer burial or cremation
• which cemetery or crematorium
• the type and style of coffin or casket
• the type of death notices, funeral vehicles and flowers
• special features in the service, such as a poem or piece of music
• the wishes of your family and friends
• how much you'd like to spend.

After all, why shouldn't it be your choice?

Preparing to pre-plan

Firstly, you would arrange a meeting with your funeral director. Either at home or at the funeral director's office, whichever you prefer.
Your funeral director will guide you through the planning process, explaining the products and services provided, and the costs involved.
You can arrange the funeral you want. They'll be your decisions, made in your own time.

Avoid unnecessary stress

A pre paid funeral plan is simply a funeral planned and paid for in advance. It means you make the important decisions and arrangements yourself, saving your family the emotional and financial burden. With a little forethought, you can help prevent unnecessary stress for your loved ones.

Your preference
Essentially, you arrange the funeral service you want, with the funeral director of your choice, at today's prices. And this is documented in your pre paid funeral plan contract.

Your Contract

Your contract will specify the funera[ service you have requested. It is a written record of the arrangement between you and the funeral director. The original contract is yours to keep. Your funeral director will hold a copy.

Pre paid, pre saved
A pre paid funeral plan is costed at today's prices. Subject to any specific provisions of the pre paid funeral plan contract, you will not be affected by any future price rises. The cost will vary depending on the services you choose. However, if you change your arrangements or add something extra, you may incur additional costs.

Advantage for pensioners
For Centrelink or Veterans' Affairs pension recipients, a pre paid funeral plan can enable you to maximise your pension entitlement. That's because money spent on a pre paid funera[ plan is not subject to the income and assets test or deemed earnings rules (according to current legislation at the time of printing).
This benefit only applies for pre paid funerals on the condition that the money is not withdrawn and used for other purposes.

Your payment options

Although usually paid in a lump sum, your funeral director may give you the option to pay by instalments over a fixed period. Your funeral service cannot be guaranteed until full payment has been received.

Your money keeps working
The money you pay for your pre-paid funeral plan will be held independently of the funeral director and properly invested and safeguarded until needed. (Subject to any specific provisions of the pre-paid funeral plan contract). Only when the service has been carried out will the funeral director be paid.
Your funeral director will provide you with further information and advice.

Your plan and legislation

Pre-paid funeral plans are covered by legislation in most Australian States and Territories. Funeral Plan Management assists your funeral director in ensuring that the Plan's operations, advertising and promotional materials comply with this legislation.
Your plan and GST
The Federal Government's GST legislation imposes GST on pre-paid funeral plan contracts entered on or after 1 December 1999. Your funeral director will remit the relevant GST amount to the Australian Taxation Office. The funeral director will answer any questions regarding the GST on your pre-paid funeral plan.
Safekeeping
Keep your contract together with your other important documents, (your Will, financial records etc), and inform your family or legal representative of their whereabouts.

Who can enter into a plan?

Anyone can enter into a pre-paid funeral plan, regardless of age or state of health.

What if you change your mind?
The investment of your pre-payment can only be cancelled and your money refunded within a cooling off period. To cancel within this cooling off period, you should return your original contract together with a letter requesting cancellation of your plan and investment to your funeral director. Your contract may specify other requirements for making any changes to your funeral arrangements.

Specific details of the cooling off period will be set out in your Funeral Fund Customer Information Brochure. What if you move residence?
Your funeral director can help ensure that the new arrangements suit you and your family. Where necessary, your plan can be transferred to another funeral director in your new place of residence, (subject to any specific provisions of your contract).

How is the plan carried out?
A relative or personal representative simply contacts your funeral director. All the arrangements detailed in your contract will be carried out.

What if your funeral director goes out of business?
You should ensure that the money you pre-pay is invested with, and held by an independent entity, and that it is not accessible to your funeral director until the service has been provided.
If your original funeral director is no longer in business, simply contact Funeral Plan Management. They will assist in organising the transfer of your plan to another funeral director, or the transfer of payment towards the cost of alternative funeral. services.

Why is a funeral important?
A funeral is the first step in the grieving process. It is an opportunity for family and friends to pay their last respects and support each other at a time of loss.

 

Who is legally responsible for arranging a funeral?

Legal responsibility rests with the executor appointed under the Will of the deceased. You should make sure your executor is familiar with, and agreeable to carrying out your wishes, and is aware of the details of your pre paid funeral plan contract.