This page explains how LifeRegistry handles membership contributions and how discretionary contributions are considered. All members are expected to understand this framework before joining.
LifeRegistry operates a pooled and discretionary contribution framework designed to:
- Promote long-term sustainability — ensuring the Registry remains viable for all members
- Ensure fairness between members — no preferential treatment, no exceptions
- Prevent entitlement or expectation — members understand this is not a guaranteed benefit
- Avoid fixed obligations — the Registry cannot promise what it cannot control
The framework prioritises structure and discipline over reassurance.
All membership contributions are pooled.
- Contributions are combined — into a single pooled framework
- No individual accounts — your contributions are not held separately
- No personal balances — you do not have a personal "pot" of money
- No individual ownership — contributions become part of the collective framework
Once paid, contributions become part of the pooled framework and are applied in accordance with Registry Rules.
Important: Members do not have ownership, withdrawal rights, or claims over pooled funds.
Participation in the pooled framework does not create entitlement.
- Contributions are not savings — you are not building a personal fund
- Contributions are not investments — there is no growth or return
- Contributions do not accumulate — no balance grows over time
- Contributions do not guarantee any outcome — past payments do not secure future benefits
Membership represents participation in a structured system, not ownership of funds.
LifeRegistry does not promise or guarantee payments.
Subject to eligibility, Registry Rules, and available reserves at the time, LifeRegistry may make a discretionary contribution towards funeral costs.
- Considered on a case-by-case basis — each request is assessed individually
- Not automatic — eligibility does not guarantee payment
- May be reduced or declined — based on circumstances and available reserves
- Depends on circumstances at the time — what was true yesterday may not be true today
Fundamental principle: Discretion is fundamental to the sustainability of the Registry.
Where a discretionary contribution is approved, the following caps apply:
Membership Period
Eligibility Band
Max. Discretionary Contribution
Months 0–24
No eligibility
£0
Months 25–36
Partial eligibility
Up to £3,000
Month 37 onwards
Full eligibility band
Up to £3000
All figures are subject to Registry Rules and available reserves at the time. Published limits do not create entitlement.
All discretionary decisions depend on available reserves at the time.
- Financial position is assessed — the health of the pooled framework determines what is possible
- Historical contributions do not secure future outcomes — past payments do not guarantee future payments
- No contribution can exceed available resources — the Registry cannot pay what it does not have
LifeRegistry does not prioritise individual cases over the long-term health of the Registry.
Discretionary contribution decisions are guided by:
- Eligibility status
- Compliance with Registry Rules
- Completeness of documentation
- Available reserves
- Overall sustainability considerations
LifeRegistry may request supporting documentation before making a decision.
No discretionary decision creates precedent. Each case is assessed on its own merits at the time.
- A pooled membership framework
- A discretionary contribution model
- A structured approach to funeral support
- Clear rules and published limits
- Transparent about what it can and cannot do
- Insurance
- A funeral plan
- A savings scheme
- A contractual promise
- A guaranteed benefit
Any interpretation to the contrary is incorrect.
If a member leaves the Registry:
- Contributions already made remain pooled — they are not returned
- No refund is due — membership contributions are not refundable
- No claim or entitlement arises — leaving does not create any right to payment
Leaving the Registry does not unwind participation in the pooled framework.
LifeRegistry reserves the right to amend the framework to:
- Protect sustainability
- Reflect operational realities
- Maintain fairness across members
Any changes are communicated transparently.
No amendment creates retrospective entitlement. Changes apply going forward only.
This framework is designed for individuals who understand that:
- Pooled systems require discipline
- Discretion replaces certainty
- Limits protect everyone
- Long-term stability matters more than individual reassurance
Those seeking guarantees should not participate.
Members and prospective members are encouraged to:
- Review the Registry Rules in full
- Read the How Membership Works page
- Ask questions before joining
