Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Plans
Q. How much does a Funeral Plan cost?
A. This depends on the options you select. Your Olsens Funeral Arranger will be able to guide you through a variety of choices and provide you with a written quote for your various selections.
Q. What happens if I want to change my Funeral Plan down the track?
A. It is easy to change or add to your Funeral Plan down the track, this may incur additional costs depending on the nature of the change.
Q. What if I want to cancel my Funeral Plan?
A. A Funeral Plan is a legally binding contract so please be aware of your obligations as set out in the terms and conditions of the contract before you sign the document. There is a "cooling off" period in case you change your mind, however after this expires your funds will remain held independently and may only be used for the funeral payment.
Q. What if I move interstate or overseas?
A. If it is impossible for Olsens to assist in your new location, upon your advice the independent party holding your funds will ensure your instructions and payment are forwarded to your Funeral Director of choice in your new area.
Q. How do I make payment?
A. The full cost is normally paid when making arrangements but you can also choose to pay in quarterly installments over a three year, interest-free period.
Q. Can the cost of my funeral rise?
A. When you pre-pay a funeral you will be charged at today's prices. This gives you the peace of mind in knowing all the necessary arrangements are in place, saving your family emotional and financial burden in the future. By pre-paying your funeral service you cannot be affected by any future price rises. Only if you change your arrangements or add to them can further cost possibly be incurred.
Q. Who holds the money I pay?
A. The money you pay for your Funeral Plan is invested with an independent entity, Funeral Plan Management Pty Ltd, and is not available to Olsens until the funeral service is completed. Funeral Plan Management can also arrange for the transfer of your Plan if your original Funeral Director is no longer in business.
Q. Who should I tell about the arrangements?
A. It is important that your family and the Executor of your Will know about your pre-paid funeral contract and your choice of Olsens as a Funeral Director.
Q. Will pre-paying affect my pension?
A. Under current Centrelink and Veterans' Affairs arrangements, money spent on a pre-paid Funeral Plan is not subject to the income and assets test or deemed earnings rules.
Q. What happens if I die while on holidays?
A. Olsens can take care of things, including transferring from place of death into our care, however there could be additional cost. There is an option of travel protection you might like to consider for your Funeral Plan - we can take you through these details.
|
