Client Care Statement
The Client Care Statement is the Queensland government form that accompanies a funeral benefit agreement under the Funeral Benefit Business Act 1982.
It is designed to make sure a customer understands the agreement before signing it, including the fees and charges, their responsibilities, and what they will receive for their money. The selling agent must explain the statement and ensure the customer understands it before the agreement is signed.
What Does It Cover?
The statement explains that a funeral benefit agreement is a legally binding contract. It advises customers to read the agreement carefully, ask questions and seek independent legal or financial advice if needed.
The agreement should clearly explain what is included and not included, the cost of the funeral benefit, administration or management fees, who is covered, and what happens to money paid under the agreement.
Depending on the type of agreement, it can also cover matters such as burial or cremation costs, the service area, what happens if the beneficiary dies outside that area, transferability, instalment payments and who will provide the funeral services.
30-Day Cooling-Off Period
A funeral benefit agreement can be cancelled within 30 days of signing. If cancelled within that period, the provider must refund the money paid, less a cancellation fee of no more than $50, subject to the requirements set out in the Act and the agreement.
The Client Care Statement includes a cancellation form that can be used during the cooling-off period.
Why Is It Important?
The Client Care Statement is there to make sure the person buying the funeral benefit understands what they are agreeing to.
It should not be treated as something to simply sign and file away. The statement specifically tells customers not to sign if they are unclear about anything, and to take the agreement away to consider if they need more time.
If you have a question about what your funeral benefit includes, ask before signing.