APS Benefits this year will celebrate its centenary and launch a number of new products. After starting as a funeral fund for Melbourne postal workers in 1905, membership of APS Benefits today offers a range of financial services and is open to all people from three levels of government as well as the Defence Force.
Spouses, siblings, parents and children of members (aged 16 to 100) are also encouraged to join the society. APS Benefits has near 24,000 members with net assets over $54 million.
A new innovation from APS is the release of a new service to members of a One Stop Loan Shop finance broking service. APS can arrange finance for almost any purpose Australia wide. Members can obtain home loans, refinancing, car finance or obtain urgent cash. The Society has also a special purpose loan facility as well as its short term unsecured loan facility.
The society was formed in 1905 when a small group of postal workers decided to put in sixpence a week to form a funeral fund for the widows when any of the society members died. The postal network spread the word and APS, starting as the Victorian and Tasmanian Public Service Provident Society, became one of the larger of many ‘funeral funds’ in the 1920s and 1930s in Australia.
It later became the Australian Public Service Benevolent Society but is more commonly known as APS Benefits. When a member dies, APS still pays out within 24 hours, so that the ‘peace of mind’ offered near a century ago is just as important today.
For membership, loans or other information, log onto the APS Benefits web site at www.apsbs.com.au and download the Membership Application Form and Loan Applications or call the friendly APS team on 1300 131 809.
* Copy supplied by APS Benefits
