Planning Ahead: Funeral Support for Veterans and Their Families

Planning for the end of life isn't something most people are keen to think about. But for many veterans and their families, having a plan in place can make a hard time a little easier. Knowing that the practical and financial side is taken care of can lift some of the pressure off loved ones when they need it most.

Through AON and the NZDF's Force Financial Hub, veterans and members of the wider defence community can apply for a funeral cover option commonly known as REAL Easy Funeral Cover. This cover provides a lump-sum payment, usually between $7,500 and $15,000, which can be used to help pay for funeral costs such as the service itself, burial or cremation, and other related expenses. Veterans, partners, and defence community members aged 50 to 80 are eligible to apply.

The cover also includes a few additional features that may be helpful. If death is the result of an accident, the payment may be higher. There is also an option for early payment in the case of a terminal illness, which can provide support when it's needed most.

It's also worth knowing that Veterans' Affairs may be able to help with funeral costs through its Funeral Expenses entitlement. This is a one-off contribution for eligible veterans, depending on their service and circumstances at the time of death. In some cases, Veterans' Affairs can contribute towards funeral, burial, or cremation costs, and sometimes towards transport costs as well.

Families can still apply for this entitlement even if support has already been received from another organisation, such as ACC, NZDF, or Work and Income. Veterans' Affairs will take other assistance into account when working out what it can contribute.

For many families, these options work best together. Veterans' Affairs support can help cover some of the basic costs, while funeral cover like REAL Easy Funeral Cover can provide extra financial breathing room and certainty during a difficult time.

Ultimately, planning ahead isn't so much about insurance as it is about peace of mind. Taking care of these details now can help ensure that when the time comes, families are free to focus on remembering, supporting one another, and honouring a life of service.

For more information:

• REAL Easy Funeral Cover brochure(external link)
• Defence benefits queries: [email protected]
• Veterans' Affairs Funeral Expenses entitlement(external link)