How to leave a gift in your will

Deciding to leave money to charity in your will allows you to support worthwhile causes even after you’re gone. It can also be an effective way to reduce the tax burden of your legacy.

I need to make a will. How do I get started?

Making a will might seem daunting, and it could be something you've been putting off. However, it's the best way to make sure your wishes are carried out after you die and can bring family or loved ones a lot of comfort at a difficult time. 

If you need to make a will, we can guide you through the process. 

What kind of gift can I leave to Age UK in my will?

Before you meet with your solicitor or write your will, you should consider the type of gift you'd like to leave. There are 3 main types of gift you can leave in your will:

• A residuary gift is a percentage of your estate once any specified gifts have been made to friends and family. Many of our supporters choose to leave this type of gift because its value will be dependent on the value of your estate at any given time rather than a set amount. This provides supporters with more flexibility when deciding how to ensure that their loved ones are well looked after first and foremost. 
• A pecuniary gift is a specific amount of money. It’s worth bearing in mind that the effects of inflation mean that this type of gift is likely to lose value over time and may end up being less than you initially intend.
• A specific gift is a gift of a specified item – such as a personal possession, land, buildings or stocks and shares.

Is there any suggested wording I should use to add a gift to Age UK to my will?

This suggested legal wording will assist your solicitor in drawing up or amending your will to include your gift to help our vital work.

Is it difficult to change my will to leave a gift to Age UK?

Not at all. In fact, if there are no other changes you want to make, you might decide to add a supplement to your will to make an amendment (known as a codicil).

Here's how to amend your will

Why should I leave a gift in will to Age UK?

Gifts left to Age UK are absolutely vital to our work. They enable us to run our essential services for older people - including our advice line and Telephone Friendship Services. They help us to expand our work and look for new ways to tackle the issues facing people as they get older, such as poverty, loneliness and isolation. 

Much of what we do would not be possible without gifts in wills from our generous supporters – like the legacy of kindness left to Age UK by the late Bob and Joyce Dumper. Read about Bob and Joyce's story here.

Find out more about the difference your gift could make here.