Including a legacy in your will is a priceless gift, and no matter how large or small, can make a real difference. If you're considering leaving a legacy to BEN, you can rest assured that it will be used to benefit those most in need.

£500 could pay for new therapy and rehabilitation equipment for disabled users in one of our centres.

£750 could help fund a specially adapted tricycle for a disabled child.

£1,000 would pay for the adaption of a car for a double amputee.

£3,000 could buy an electric wheelchair.

£6,500 would pay for a weekly grant to help a grandparent foster a grandchild for ten years.

£10,000 covers the cost of running a summer camp for children whose families we are supporting.

how do I leave a legacy to BEN?

Leaving a legacy is fairly straightforward and can be done in consultation with your solicitor, either when you make your will or by adding to your existing document.

who should write my will?

It's best to consult a solicitor to make sure your will is legally correct

what information should I include when leaving a gift to BEN in my will?

Your solicitor will be able to advise you on the wording for leaving a gift in your will. You will also need to include BEN's registered information:

Official name: BEN - Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund.
Registered office: Lynwood, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 0AJ.
Registered charity information: A Charity Registered in England & Wales (No. 297877) and Scotland (SC039842).

can a gift to charity help me pay less tax?

Charitable bequests are generally exempt from inheritance tax, so with careful planning you may be able to reduce the potential inheritance tax liability. It is best to discuss this with your solicitor.

If the total value of your estate is more than £300,000 (the tax threshold set for 2008) the tax charges will be 40% over that sum. However it is now possible for spouses and civil partners to transfer their nil-rate allowances so that any part of the nil-rate allowance that was not used when the first spouse or partner died, can be transferred to the survivor.

can BEN be my executor?

The role of an executor is exceptionally demanding and responsible. Unfortunately we don't have the resource to do this at present. It is worth considering your solicitor, close family or friends for this.

can I specify how BEN uses my money?

Our work is extremely varied and dependent on the needs of those who require our help most. It's best if gifts are made unconditionally, and we advise you to avoid being too specific about how you'd like your money to be spent. To enable your gift to be of greatest benefit, we ask you to trust us to use it where it is most needed. It would be devastating if we were unable to accept or use your gift because a specific request was no longer relevant.

I've left a gift to BEN in my will, should I tell you?

Yes, if you have included us in your will please let us know. That way we can update you on our work, and also thank you for your kind generosity.

For more information on leaving a legacy to BEN, please email legacies@ben.org.uk