(FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Preamble
The death of a loved one is a significant time in the lives of many. It is usually accompanied by a process of emotional trauma and stress. One has to deal with the reality of the loss and soon after acceptance, one is faced with the financial realities that come with organizing the burial rights etc. Culturally, it is expected that the deceased is accorded a dignified farewell. This can be financially tasking. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the bereaved is saved not just the emotional stress but also the physical and financial burden that comes with the loss.
What is UFT?
United Funeral Trust is an association of members who come together to make monthly contributions into a funeral fund (scheme) so that when a member dies, the entire funeral is paid for by the association from its fund. It is not an insurance policy. It’s a pre-paid funeral service that provides all the services needed for a funeral and makes a cash donation to the family of the deceased.
Why do I need UFT’s funeral assist scheme?
The UFT Funeral Scheme is a funeral service that is designed to reduce the level of stress of the bereaved. UFT takes over the organization of the entire funeral from A-Z, freeing the bereaved of the pressures of funding and organizing the funeral.
What type of funeral should I have?
The type of funeral to have is dependent on the product option you choose from our 5 available options. The benefits include a 30day free mortuary, hearse, undertaking, canopies, chairs, sound systems, refreshments etc are designed to suit every budget.
What is the cost/contribution?
We have 5 product options –
- Platinum – pay GHS120.00 a month and a funeral service worth GHS120,000.00 is organised plus a cash donation (nsawaa) of GHS 10,000.00,
- Gold – pay GHS60.00 a month and a funeral service worth GHS60,000.00 is organised plus a cash donation (nsawaa) of GHS 5,000.00,
- Diamond – pay GHS30.00 a month and a funeral service worth GHS30,000.00 is organised plus a cash donation (nsawaa) of GHS 3,000.00, ,
- Silver – pay GHS15.00 a month and a funeral service worth GHS15,000.00 is organised plus a cash donation (nsawaa) of GHS 1,500.00, and
- Bronze – pay GHS6.00 a month and a funeral service worth GHS6,000.00 is organised plus a cash donation (nsawaa) of GHS 500.00,
Who Can Join?
Anyone who knows that death could come any day could prepare for it by joining UFT so that you can make a financial provision for your own funeral, saving your family from the burden of borrowing money for your burial.
Why should I pre-arrange my funeral?
There are several significant milestones in life that you influence or make your own choices, like your wedding and birthdays. One Milestone that you won’t have a say in how you want to be buried. Signing on to UFT offers you the opportunity to pre-arrange your own farewell in a dignified manner.
Can I personalize my funeral?
Absolutely, in fact, we recommend it. After all, the funeral is a celebration of life. We will be happy to discuss all options and ensure your funeral is tailored to your wishes. The entire planning is done either according to your will or in consultation with the family. As much as the budget allows per the product type chosen, your desires will be met.
Can I pay for myself and relatives?
Yes. Membership is on an individual basis so you can enroll as many people as you want and make the monthly contributions for the persons. You have to ensure that when you are not there, the persons will continue paying their contributions. Before you register and pay for a relative you must first be a member yourself. You cannot choose an option higher than that of your for a relative. (e.g if you choose Diamond – GHC 30.00, you have to choose same or a lower option for your relative(s) not Gold or Platinum which is higher than Diamond.
What If I stop contributing?
Your membership is valid as long as you have paid your previous month contribution. It means if you miss 2 months (60 days), you have automatically terminated your membership. If for any reason you think you may not be able to make a payment, call the administrator immediately to discuss.
If I stop my membership will I get my money back?
NO! This is not a savings account where you can make withdrawals. Your contribution would have been used to pay for another member’s funeral with the hope that when your time comes, someone’s contribution will pay for your farewell. It is important to make sure you do not miss a contribution when it is due.
Who Receives the Money and Pays the Bills?
All contributions to UFT will go into a scheme fund. This scheme fund is administered by United Pension Trustees. They have appointed an Administrator(s), who will be responsible for the day-to-day running and engagement with members.
What do UFT Administrators do?
In their administrative duties, they receive claims, consult the families, implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral, procure all the services needed, make the arrangements for the preparation and transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and the final disposition of the body.
Is there a limitation?
Yes, you must not be 75years old at the time of joining. You will lose your benefit if you are found to have lied. When you join, you have to wait for 6 months before you can receive your benefits. In other words, if you join and you die within 6 months, UFT cannot provide the funeral services.
What happens when a member dies?
We advise members to inform some trusted members of the family so that when you die, they will notify the UFT in writing with all the supporting documents as may be required from time to time. Always ensure that you have a nominated beneficiary or next of kin and make the person(s) aware of your membership of UFT.
What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All you need to do is place a call to us.
How do I join?
You can call our office lines +233 20 1823943/91 or email to info@box5690.temp.domains.
You can contact any of our sales agents to complete an application form. Once you complete the form, provide all the required documents and pictures and you make your first contribution, your offer will reach UFT. A membership number will be communicated to you to indicate your enrolment. You can also dial*710# on your MTN choose United Funeral Trust from the menu and follow the prompts. Visit us at Vanguard House, #21 Independence Avenue, Ridge, Accra and UPT and Vanguard Assurance Offices Nationwide.
Is it necessary to do this?
YES! Prove to your loved ones and relations that even in death you still love and care about them so much so that, you did not want to burden them with any debt arising from they having to burrow money for your funeral. You planned for it the way you want it and all they have to do is to dress and attend the Celebration of Life! Stress free and debt free.
All that lives must die, passing through nature to eternity – William Shakespeare.