An investment in a funeral bond such as Sureplan Gold, subject to an upper limit, is treated as an Exempt Asset for pension purposes. As the name implies, an Exempt Asset is not assessed as an asset by Centrelink. This is mainly because that, after the first 30 day cooling off period, you cannot make … Read more

Some people believe that they can only contribute to a funeral bond with a lump sum. However, members of most funeral bonds can use them as a saving plan. With Sureplan Gold, for instance, the minimum ad-hoc or regular contribution is $50.  Gold members have the choice as to how much they wish to contribute, … Read more

A pensioner can invest in a funeral bond up to a maximum threshold (currently $13,500) and their policy will be treated as an Exempt Asset for pension assessment purposes. This can have significant benefits for pensioners.  For example, for someone with assets just over the threshold, a funeral bond investment may bring them just under … Read more

If you are receiving a part-pension you probably are relying on drawing down your superannuation fund and/or revenue from various investments to round off your income requirements.  Should you have funds invested in fixed interest securities you will know from first-hand experience just how low interest rates are in Australia at present – in fact … Read more

If you are a Home-Owner pensioner couple you can have $401,500 in assessable assets (this means virtually everything apart from the value of your home) and receive the maximum pension of $1,297.40 per fortnight. For every $1000 you have in assessable assets above $401,500 your pension will decrease by $3 per fortnight or $78 per … Read more

When a loved one dies it can be very difficult for those who have the responsibility of making their funeral arrangements. One task could be to contact Sureplan to arrange for a Sureplan Gold policy to be paid.  Sureplan appreciates that, at this time, people are often affected by grief and anxiety and will have … Read more

With people living longer the instance that a power of attorney is used to commence a funeral bond for an elderly relative is increasing. As when dealing with any financial product, certain protocols need to be followed when this occurs.  Sureplan Friendly Society Ltd (Sureplan) will wish to sight a copy of the power of … Read more

When applying for funeral insurance cover it is likely that you will need to disclose any recent pre-existing illnesses and symptoms similar to those experienced by COVID-19 sufferers.  Failure to do so, and you be unlucky enough to die from COVID-19, may cause your family problems when completing the claim.  Your policy may even be … Read more

When consumers meet with a funeral director to put some plans together for their funeral, many will want to put some money aside to help meet its cost. As funeral directors are unable to hold the money themselves (unless they operate a trust fund) they will suggest that the money is invested in a funeral … Read more

A funeral bond is a managed fund whereby a member’s funeral benefit is the total of their contributions and accumulated bonuses. Therefore, as a funeral bond is simply paying out what has been deposited by the member and any returns earned by the fund, there are no exclusions for any medical conditions, including the COVID-19 … Read more