For many Australians, planning for the end of life is an uncomfortable but necessary part of financial wellbeing. Rising funeral costs and tightening Centrelink rules have sparked renewed interest in funeral bonds—a purpose-built savings product designed to pay for your funeral, and nothing else. With new policy tweaks in 2025, now’s the time to explore if a funeral bond fits your financial plan.
What Is a Funeral Bond?
A funeral bond is a managed investment that can only be used to pay for your funeral. You make contributions over time (or as a lump sum), and the money is held in trust until it’s needed. Unlike funeral insurance, which requires ongoing premiums and may lapse, funeral bonds are guaranteed to pay out for their intended purpose—no matter how long you live.
- Purpose-built: Funds are locked away and released directly to your nominated funeral director or estate after you pass away.
- No medical checks: Anyone can invest, regardless of age or health.
- Centrelink-friendly: Funeral bonds up to a certain threshold are exempt from the assets and income test for Age Pension (updated for 2025).
In 2025, the maximum exempt amount for Centrelink purposes has increased to $15,000 per person, reflecting inflation and cost-of-living pressures. This means you can set aside more without affecting your pension eligibility.
How Funeral Bonds Work: Contributions, Returns, and Payouts
Funeral bonds are typically offered by friendly societies, insurers, and some banks. They operate much like a conservative managed fund, pooling your contributions with others and earning returns over time. Here’s the basic process:
- Choose your bond: Compare providers on fees, performance, and flexibility. Many allow contributions from as little as $500.
- Make contributions: Pay a lump sum or set up regular payments. The money grows with investment returns, usually linked to conservative assets like cash and bonds.
- Nominate a beneficiary: You can nominate a funeral director (for prepaid funerals) or your estate/executor.
- Payout: On your death, the full value (contributions + earnings) is paid to cover your funeral expenses.
Unlike funeral insurance, there’s no risk of losing your investment if you live a long life. However, returns are usually modest—think 2-4% p.a. in 2025—so bonds are best seen as a way to quarantine funds, not generate wealth.
Funeral Bonds and Centrelink: The 2025 Asset Test Update
One of the major attractions of funeral bonds is their impact (or lack thereof) on Centrelink’s Age Pension means tests. As of July 2025, the exempt limit for funeral bonds is $15,000 per person (indexed annually). This means:
- Funds up to $15,000 are excluded from the asset and income tests if the bond is assigned to a funeral director or your estate, and you don’t have a prepaid funeral.
- Couples can each hold a bond, doubling the exemption to $30,000.
- Amounts above the threshold are counted as financial assets and may affect your pension.
This exemption makes funeral bonds a strategic tool for retirees seeking to maximise their Age Pension entitlements, especially as the government tightens other asset-related loopholes. It’s a simple way to both plan ahead and optimise your benefits.
Pros, Cons, and Real-World Examples
Pros:
- Peace of mind for you and your family—funeral costs covered, no surprises.
- Exempt from Centrelink asset/income tests (within limits).
- No health checks, age limits, or ongoing premiums.
- Low-maintenance: set-and-forget investment.
Cons:
- Funds are locked in—no early withdrawals if your circumstances change.
- Modest returns compared to other investments.
- If you move or your funeral plans change, updating details can be an extra step.
Real-World Example (2025):
Margaret, 72, invests $12,000 in a funeral bond. Over five years, her bond grows to $13,200 (after fees). When she passes away, her estate receives the full amount, covering funeral expenses and easing the financial burden on her children. Because her investment remained below the $15,000 threshold, her Age Pension was unaffected.
Choosing the Right Funeral Bond in 2025
With more Australians thinking ahead, the funeral bond market is evolving. In 2025, look for:
- Low fees: Some providers charge establishment or ongoing fees—compare these carefully.
- Flexible contributions: Useful if you want to top up over time.
- Clear nomination process: Make sure it’s easy to update your chosen funeral director or estate details.
- Transparent investment returns: Check past performance, but remember bonds are not designed for high growth.
Providers like Australian Unity, Foresters Friendly Society, and Centuria continue to offer competitive products, and new digital-first players are entering the market in response to demand for simpler, online management.
Is a Funeral Bond Right for You?
Funeral bonds are not for everyone, but for many retirees and pre-retirees, they offer a practical, Centrelink-friendly way to plan ahead. If you value peace of mind and want to ease the burden on your loved ones, a funeral bond is well worth considering in your 2025 financial plan.
