You can find out more information or start your application now by choosing either an Australian Funeral Bond or a Bendigo Funeral Bond.
Capital Guarantee
Capital Guarantee
The Bond’s capital guarantee is supported by solvency reserves maintained by the Society under regulatory requirements. That is, the initial and any subsequent contributions, plus declared bonuses, are guaranteed upon the death of the selected person.
Centrelink Benefits
Centrelink Benefits
If you receive a means-tested pension or benefit from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (“DVA”), a funeral bond may help you qualify for both income and asset test exemptions. The current threshold exemption limit is $13,500 (as at 1 July 2020).
Multiple Ownership Options
Multiple Ownership Options
An individual can invest in a Bond to fund their own funeral expenses. Couples can each own an individual Bond or a Bond may be jointly owned by any two people. Individuals can also take out a Bond to meet the funeral expenses of a selected person, such as a loved one.
Annual Bonuses
Annual Bonuses
If a bonus is declared, it is allocated to each member’s account as at 30 June and becomes part of the total investment for the calculation of future bonuses. The bonus is guaranteed once declared.
Taxation Benefits
Taxation Benefits
Tax file numbers are not required to be provided on application. As your investment grows, you are not required to include investment returns in your personal tax return, an Investor is not subject to personal tax on the income of their investment.
Flexible Payment Options
Flexible Payment Options
The Society has made payment options simple and flexible. Saving for the cost of future funeral expenses can be done by investing in instalments or in a single lump sum contribution. Minimum contributions start at $25* and can be made using Direct credit, Direct debit, BPAY® or Cheque.
*The minimum investment amount depends on the payment method, please refer to the Disclosure Document for details.
*The minimum investment amount depends on the payment method, please refer to the Disclosure Document for details.
Find out more or
apply for a Funeral Bond
Bendigo Funeral Bond
Australian Funeral Bond
Australian Friendly
Society
Funeral Bonds
Following its formation in 1969 and in the years since, the Australian Friendly Society (AFS) has focussed on endeavouring to achieve strong returns for its members whilst striving for excellence in service.
Taking care of your funeral costs can remove financial concerns for your family and friends at a difficult time. A Funeral Bond offered by the Australian Friendly Society is a capital-guaranteed savings and investment plan that solely accumulates funds to meet the cost of your funeral expenses.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Our members, and serving them, is our primary focus. We continue to operate having made changes as a result of the declared COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining the health and wellbeing of our staff. We also confirm that your investment in one of our Funeral Bond products remains capital guaranteed.
Want to know more?
You can find answers to common questions in the FAQs section. If you still require assistance send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Pension Changes
On 1 July 2019, the Australian Government implemented changes to the assets test used to calculate pensions.
Investments of up to $13,250 (current threshold for the 2019-20 financial year) in a funeral bond such as either the Australian Funeral Bond or the Bendigo Funeral Bond, are exempt from Centrelink and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs income and assets tests.
For more information on the changes to the pension assets test, please contact Centrelink, Department of Veterans Affairs or your Financial Adviser.
Financial Adviser
The Bendigo Funeral Bond has received an ‘Approved’ rating from Lonsec.*An ‘Approved’ rating means the structure provides an adequate means for investors to gain exposure to the underlying investments. Lonsec believes “the Bendigo Funeral Bond has a suitable structure to meet the product objectives”.
Financial Advisers are able to view the report below by registering through the Financial Advisers login and then logging into their account.
*(External research house – Terms and Conditions apply and can only be accessed by Financial Advisers.)