LEGACY GIVING
LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY
For over 100 years, the Officers’ Association has provided vital support to those who have held a Commission in the Armed Forces, their families, and dependants. By leaving a gift in your will or giving a donation in memory of a loved one, you will enable us to continue our work for future generations, providing advice and guidance to relieve distress and hardship amongst those who have served.
Please take a look at some of our beneficiary stories to see how your gift could help others.
WHY MAKE A WILL?
Writing a will is the only way to ensure that your family will be taken care of after you are gone. It can spare your loved ones additional stress at an emotional and difficult time, and it allows you to specify any wishes you may have regarding legacies or gifts you want to leave to causes close to your heart.
If you don’t have a will, your estate will be divided according to intestacy rules, which means it may not necessarily go to the people and causes you would like it to.
HOW DO I MAKE A WILL?
We would always recommend that you consult a solicitor or a STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) qualified will-writer when planning a new will or updating a previous will, to ensure that it is accurate and reflects your wishes. If you are making a will for the first time, it is a good idea to make a list of all your assets (including any savings, investments, and possessions) and consider the people and any causes you would like to benefit from your estate.
WHY LEAVE A LEGACY?
Leaving the OABF a legacy in your will, however small, can make a big difference to the future of the people we support. A legacy can take the form of a fixed cash amount, a percentage of your estate or a residuary gift (once all other payments have been made).
Leaving a legacy may also mean you can take advantage of the tax privileges that are available to encourage such support. Legacies or bequests can reduce or even eliminate the tax payable on the balance of any estate and are themselves totally exempt from inheritance tax.
Read how Mary’s gift to the OABF in her will enabled us to continue our work with those most in need.
‘June is leaving the OABF a Legacy in her will in the hope that the OABF can continue to offer support to fellow retired officers and their families for many years to come.’ Read June’s story.
HOW DO I ARRANGE A LEGACY?
When making or updating your will, you need to let your solicitor know your intentions. There is no obligation to let us know if you do not wish to, and you can change your mind at any time. If you have already made your will but would like to include a legacy gift, you can either write a new one or simply add an amendment using a document called a codicil. A codicil does not replace your will, so you should always keep both documents together. We would always recommend consulting with your solicitor when adding a codicil.
HOW YOUR LEGACY GIFT CAN HELP OTHERS
Learn more about some of the many people whose lives have been helped by our work. Your gift can help us be there for others when they need it most.
FIND OUT MORE
If you would like to talk to our team to find out about legacy giving, we’d be happy to hear from you on 020 7808 4175. However, please note that we are not qualified to offer legal advice
