Pre-paying your funeral can can help provide your family with a sense of security, knowing that the needs of you and your family will be looked after.

After a death in the family, many people understand how much easier it would have been if the arrangements had been spelt out in advance. At Nelson Bros, individuals can pre-plan their funeral so they don't leave their families wondering.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a pre-paid funeral?
When you pre-pay your funeral, you purchase your funeral service at today's prices with the funeral director of your choice. You and your funeral director will determine your funeral requirements, which will then be formally documented in a contract. This can relieve an enormous amount of emotional and financial strain from your family.

Planning your funeral can simply begin with a discussion with your family about the various arrangements you may require. A sensible time for this is when you are determining your Will. Through an honest discussion, you can ensure that yours and your families wishes are considered. Your family will also be aware of what is required of them when the time comes.

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Why pre-pay my funeral?

Your family
The most important reason for making your arrangements in advance is to relieve your family of the emotional and financial task of organising your funeral. With so many decisions to be made, it makes sense to make these decisions in a relaxed environment, through a plan which your family will appreciate.

Financial advantages
A pre-paid funeral plan also provides you with several financial benefits. Your funeral arrangements will be purchased at today's prices and you will not need to pay any more even if prices rise. If you wish to change your arrangements however, additional costs may be involved.

Protection against inflation
It makes a lot of sense to purchase your funeral at today's prices, when you consider the long term effects inflation can have on the price of so many goods and services.

Exempt from DSS Income and Assets Test
Your pre-paid funeral is also exempt under both the Social Security Pensions' Assets and Income Test, and exempt under the new extended deeming provisions. This can provide many pensioners with an opportunity to maximise their pension entitlement (Under current legislation at time of printing)

Peace of mind
We all have special wishes as to how we would like to be buried or cremated. Pre-planning your funeral gives you the opportunity to attend to these details confidently, without any unnecessary pressure. Your family will know that your funeral will truly reflect the way you would like to be remembered.

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How can I make payments?
Payments can either be made as a lump sum or by regular contributions. So that we can guarantee you receive the service outlined in your plan and to guarantee your fixed price funeral, full payment will need to be made.

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How is the money managed?
With Nelson Bros, your pre-paid funeral monies are invested in your name with Australian Friendly Society Limited. The Society is associated with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, like Nelson Bros, has been caring for the needs of Australians for over 150 years.

Australian Friendly Society's website

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How can Nelson Bros assist me in the planning process?
As a professional organization, we are trained to provide you with as much support as you need in your planning process. Our staff are available to answer all your questions, from helping you choose the cemetery to assisting you in all your financial arrangement needs.

We welcome the opportunity to personally meet with you and your family, to discuss the many benefits of our services or to simply answer any questions you may have.

Nelson Bros and Australian Friendly Society are both Australian owned organizations with a stable foundation and an established history of meeting their customers' needs.

Choosing the best funeral plan for you.
When choosing the funeral plan that best suits your needs, your decision should not only be based on price, but most importantly the quality of service provided, the personalised attention provided to you and your family and the reliability that your agreement will be adhered to when the time comes.

Nelson Bros Funeral Services has provided Victoria with a personalised funeral service since 1858. With five generations of experience and commitment to quality service, you can feel assured that Nelson Bros can provide you with the security and reliability you deserve.

What if I change my mind?
Nelson Bros Funeral Services have an established reputation of qualified service. Their aim is to ensure your wishes are met at all times. You have a 30 day period to consider your contract and change your mind if you wish. You may cancel your contract within the 30 day period by notifying Nelson Bros Funeral Services in writing. Your contract is cancelled and you will receive a full refund.

What if I die away from home?
If you are travelling within Australia when death occurs, your family will need to contact our funeral home immediately, so that we can make the necessary arrangements to assist with your safe transfer. Some additional costs for transport may be required. Nelson Bros offers an insurance cover that you can purchase. This cover will compensate for any transportation costs incurred, whilst outside a 70km radius from your residential address (Australian coverage only).

What legal documents will I receive?
As part of a pre-paid funeral arrangement, you will receive a funeral contract, which lists all the prearranged services agreed upon.

The legal contract will contain all the services selected and paid for such as:

  • Coffin/Casket details
  • Burial or Cremation Deed details
  • Advertising
  • Clergy/Church /Organist details
  • Flowers
  • Certificates

You will also receive a copy of your Certificate of Membership confirming the registration of your policy.

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Consumer Affairs
Access Consumer Affairs Victoria's overview on pre-paid funerals.

Australians have been pre-paying their funerals with Nelson Bros since the 1930s. Today prepaying your funeral has become a very important part of retirement planning.