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FAQs

Writing your will is an opportunity to make sure the people you love are taken care of. But it's also your chance to do something exceptional for children. Get answers to our most frequently asked questions about leaving a gift in your will below.

Guidance for writing your will

Of course, looking after our loved ones comes first. After making sure that they will be provided for, it is still possible to support vulnerable children around the world with a gift in your will. 

There is absolutely no obligation to tell us if you choose to include Save the Children in your will. However, we are always happy to hear from our supporters, and by letting us know your intentions, we'll know how best to support you. It also gives us a chance to thank you if you do decide to remember Save the Children in your will. 
Of course, any information you provide is completely confidential and in no way legally binding.

We usually recommend you consult a solicitor to make sure that all the legal formalities are covered and that your will is valid. The cost of the solicitor will vary depending on how complex your will is. 

You can also choose to write your will in November, which is Will Aid month, using a solicitor who is participating. Instead of paying a fee, you will be asked to make a voluntary donation to charity. 

Yes, there are three types:

  • Residuary gift is a percentage or share of the balance of your estate once all other payments and gifts have been made. Many people prefer to give a residuary gift because it keeps in line with inflation and does not lose value over time.
  • Pecuniary gift is a fixed amount of money.
  • A Specific gift is a gift of a specific item, like personal possessions, land or shares.

In the UK, inheritance tax is currently paid to the government at a rate of 40% if your estate is worth more than £325,000. However, the rate might be reduced to 36% if 10% or more of your estate is left to charity.

Most gifts left to Save the Children are exempt from inheritance tax because we are a charity. You can find out more by contacting HMRC or a solicitor.

Every single gift has a huge impact - whether it covers the cost of a single school book or the construction of a new clinic. 

A gift in your will could save children's lives.

If you’d like to include Save the Children in your will, simply insert the following message:

I give to The Save the Children Fund of 1 St John’s Lane, London EC1M 4AR, registered charity numbers 213890 and SC039570 [__% of the residue] of my estate/[specified amount] absolutely for its general charitable purposes.

Don't forget to use our full name and details to make sure the gift reaches us. 

If you have any questions, please contact our friendly Gifts in Wills team on 020 7012 6400 or email us at giftsinwills@savethechildren.org.uk

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