Pre-Paid Funerals in Newcastle
Plan and Pay for Your Funeral in Advance
Pre-Paid Funerals FAQ's
What is a Pre-Paid Funeral?
A Pre-Paid Funeral is a thoughtful way to plan ahead by purchasing funeral services in advance. With a Pre-Paid Funeral plan, you can choose the type and style of funeral you want, and the details will be documented in a written contract. The best part? You lock in today’s prices, so you won’t have to pay any additional costs—regardless of when the funeral is required—unless specific terms apply (such as new Government taxes or fee increases).
The payment for a Pre-Paid Funeral is securely invested in an independently managed funeral fund. The funds are only released to the Funeral Director once the contracted funeral service is completed, ensuring your wishes are fulfilled.
Planning ahead with a Pre-Paid Funeral in Newcastle provides peace of mind, knowing that your family will not face unexpected financial burdens at a difficult time.
Benefits of a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan & Why Pre-Pay for Your Funeral?
A Pre-Paid Funeral Plan offers many advantages, and anyone can take out a plan regardless of their age or state of health. By choosing a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan in Newcastle, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Relieve your family of difficult decisions: A pre-paid plan ensures that your loved ones don’t have to make emotional decisions during a stressful time.
- Eliminate financial burden: Pre-paying for your funeral takes away the financial strain on your family, giving them peace of mind.
- Lock in today’s funeral costs: By paying for your funeral plan now, you can fix the price of your funeral at today’s rates, protecting you from future price increases (subject to specific contract terms).
- Ensure your wishes are carried out: A pre-paid plan allows you to make your exact funeral wishes known and guarantees they will be followed.
- Achieve peace of mind: Knowing that your funeral is fully planned and paid for provides real peace of mind for both you and your family.
- Maximise pension entitlements: The money paid into your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan is not counted as part of your income or assets for pension purposes (under current legislation).
- Safe and secure management: Your funds are placed in a managed funeral fund, and the money is only released to the undertaker when the contracted service is completed.
Why Choose a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan – Secure Your Future and Protect Your Family
A Pre-Paid Funeral Plan is a thoughtful way to ensure your funeral arrangements reflect your personal wishes, allowing you to make decisions in advance and lock in today’s funeral costs. Whether you prefer a burial or cremation, want a specific coffin or casket, or have particular service requests, a pre-paid plan lets you choose every detail.
Common considerations include:
- Type and style of funeral service
- Preparation of the body and viewing arrangements
- Burial or cremation preferences
- Selection of a specific cemetery or crematorium
- Choice of coffin or casket
- Minister or Celebrant for the service
- Memorial book and memorial cards
- Death notices, flowers, mourning vehicles, etc.
- Special features such as poems or music
Secure and Safe Pre-Paid Funeral Plans in Newcastle
The funds you contribute to your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan are held securely by an independent entity, such as a trustee company or friendly society. These funds are carefully invested and safeguarded, ensuring they remain secure until the time of need. When the funeral services outlined in your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan are required, only then will the funds be released directly to the Funeral Director or undertaker.
By choosing a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan with Newcastle Affordable Funerals, you gain peace of mind knowing your arrangements are fully protected and your loved ones are not burdened with financial stress at a difficult time.
Can I Pay a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan by Instalments?
When planning ahead with a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan at Newcastle Affordable Funerals, you have two convenient payment options. You can choose to pay for your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan in a lump sum for immediate peace of mind, or opt to pay in instalments through a direct debit arrangement.
Our flexible payment options ensure that your funeral plan is affordable and manageable, giving you control over how you prepare for the future. Contact us today to discuss which option suits your needs best.
Transferring Your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan When Moving Interstate
If you move interstate, you can easily transfer your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan to another Funeral Director. Our team, or your current Funeral Director, will assist you in transferring your plan to a new provider, ensuring a smooth transition.
However, please note that funeral prices may vary between regions, so the cost of services may not be guaranteed upon transfer. Price differences exist between country and city areas, and adjustments may be necessary based on location.
The funds from your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan will remain in the secure investment you’ve arranged, and they will be accessible by the new Funeral Director at the time of the funeral.
What Happens if Death Occurs Interstate or Overseas?
When a death occurs, it’s essential to notify a Funeral Director immediately. A professional funeral director can assist with transporting the deceased and handling all statutory requirements, ensuring everything is managed with care and efficiency.
Please note, there may be an additional fee for transporting the deceased, depending on the location and circumstances. If the death and funeral take place overseas or interstate, any funds from a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan will be paid directly to the deceased's estate to cover the costs.
What Happens if the Funeral Director I Choose Goes Out of Business?
When you invest in a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan with Newcastle Affordable Funerals, your funds are securely held by an independent entity, ensuring complete protection for your peace of mind. Your payment is invested in a separate, individual fund under your name, which remains inaccessible to the Funeral Director until the services are provided.
In the rare event that your chosen Funeral Director is no longer in business, your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan can be easily transferred to another trusted provider, ensuring your plans are honoured and your wishes are respected.
Can You Withdraw From a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan?
No, you cannot withdraw from a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan before death, nor can it be used for any purpose other than to cover funeral expenses. If you are not fully satisfied with your Pre-Paid Funeral Plan, you can cancel the plan and receive a full refund within 14 days of receiving your investment confirmation.
After this 14-day period, withdrawals from a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan are not allowed. The funds are strictly reserved to cover funeral costs as outlined in the plan.
How to Locate a Pre-Paid Funeral Contract.
When a Pre-Paid Funeral is arranged and the contract is signed, both the funeral arranger and the Funeral Director retain a copy of the contract. It’s important to keep this contract in a safe place with other important documents so it can be easily accessed when needed. Additionally, it’s recommended to inform family members and close friends about the Pre-Paid Funeral arrangements and provide clear instructions on where the contract is stored.
Currently, there is no central database for Pre-Paid Funeral contracts, so it’s essential to know where to look for the documentation. If you're trying to locate a contract for a loved one, follow these steps:
- Search through important documents to check for any evidence of the contract.
- Consult with the person's Solicitor, as they may have filed the contract on behalf of the deceased.
- Contact Funeral Directors in the local area of the deceased to inquire if they hold any record of the Pre-Paid Funeral.
- If you’re still unable to locate the contract, it may have been left with someone else responsible for the deceased’s affairs, such as:
- A Solicitor
- A trusted friend
- Next of Kin
- The Executor of the Will
- The Public Trustee
