FUNERAL BONDS.
PRE PLAN - PRE ARRANGED FUNERALS
Secured with Australian Unity
BEING PREPARED WON'T BRING DEATH ON SOONER.
Funeral bonds may not be something you have heard of, however they are something to definitely consider over funeral insurance. When a loved one dies, there may be tears, pain, suffering, sadness... even relief. There will be grieving. How this process will work for those you leave behind, will be unique. And while most of us won’t know when this time will come, we can be prepared for it.
If you want to keep things simple and ensure that your loved ones do not have the added burden of planning a funeral, a pre-arranged funeral plan could be just what you’ve been looking for.
A pre-arranged funeral is exactly what it sounds like. Taking some time to think about your wishes, and getting that down in writing so that things move smoothly and as stress free as possible when the time comes.
Some things that a pre-arranged funeral can include - but not limited to - are;
Disposal - would you prefer cremation or burial?
Casket - would you like a Daisybox (cardboard) or a woven wicker casket?
Service - would you like a funeral with the body or a memorial service after cremation... Will it be under a tree in a park, by the river or at your favourite bowls club? Do you even want a service?
Transport - at Rest we use a simple unassuming van, however in Queensland you can travel almost anyway you can imagine.
By making these choices now, you can save your family a lot of decision making at a time when they often won’t feel like making those decisions.
Paying for your funeral in advance?
After working out the details of your funeral, you can have the peace of mind, knowing your funeral is paid for with a pre-paid funeral contract and funeral bond.
With funeral insurance ads filling the screens during daytime TV, and our mailboxes with brochures, why would one opt for a funeral bond instead?
Funeral insurance, like any other insurance, requires you to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly premiums. You could very likely pay far more to your insurance company, than the payout received when you die.
You can also lose your cover, should you fail to keep up with the repayments.
"A funeral bond is a fixed amount. No premiums like funeral insurance."
A funeral bond however, is a fixed amount that is held as a capital guaranteed investment. Whether it is paid in one lump sum or by instalments, once the amount planned for is paid, there are no ongoing payments.
It’s a service that is planned and paid for in advance and secured at today’s prices, no matter how long in the future you require it.
It also won’t affect your means tested pension.
"It was quick to sort out and now we feel a bit more comfortable knowing the kids don't have to worry. It was explained to us clearly and the emails outlined the process so we knew what stage we were at all times. Thank you Rest Funerals & Death Care."
- M, Warwick
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
What is the most basic package you offer?
A direct cremation or bare cremation is the simplest package we offer at Rest. It includes the collection from either a private residence or facility, a Daisybox, transportation, cremation and return of the ashes. It also includes processing the paperwork required to produce an official death certificate.
I want to be buried. Can Rest help with that as well?
Yes we can. If you haven’t already organised and paid for a plot at one of the Southern Downs cemeteries, we can include and handle that process whether it is required now or in the future.
What if I would like a service?
While a funeral or memorial service is not included in our basic package, we can certainly incorporate the service, of one of our amazing funeral celebrants, into a package for you. Just ask us when you get in touch.
What is a Daisybox?
Simply put, a DaisyBox is a cardboard coffin. One of the most environmentally friendly options available at the moment. They are highly customisable, can be decorated in many ways and this part can even help with the grieving process.
How and when will my family get the ashes?
The ashes are usually returned within a week, either personally or by Australia Post (Registered).
What extras will I have to pay?
None. If you purchase a prepaid funeral with Rest, you won’t have to pay any more, ever*. Whether our services are needed in a few months, a few years or even decades from now.
* If changes are made to the agreed pre-paid contract (eg. moving beyond the service area, repatriation), extra charges may be incurred.
What might a payment plan look like?
A simple funeral can be arranged now from as little as $37.78 per month over 5 years or $29.06 per fortnight over 3 years. Once paid, there’s no more to pay.
What if you close down?
We definitely don’t plan to, however, in that unlikely event, your funds are secure in a capital guaranteed bond with Australian Unity. If for whatever reason✝︎, we are unable to provide you with the funeral as stated in the pre-paid funeral contract, the funds will be released to go toward funeral expenses elsewhere.
What if I change my mind?
In Queensland, consumers are protected by the Funeral Benefit Business Act whereby a 30 day cooling-off period applies to a pre-paid funeral contract. You are able to cancel at any time within 30 days and receive a full refund (less a cancellation fee if $50).
✝︎ Business closure / lacking the capacity. Does not include reasons such as if you change your mind, move beyond the service area or similar. The pre-paid funeral contract contains all the terms in full.