No one likes to think about death, be it your own or that of a loved one, but the simple fact is a bereavement can result in very significant expenses and financial worries for loved ones, at a difficult time. Your credit union cares about its members and may provide a service called Death Benefit Insurance (DBI) to help pay for these expenses. In recent years the average cost of a funeral has increased from €250 to over €3000. Death Benefit won't ease bereavement but it will go a long way towards easing the financial burden your death may place upon your family.

To qualify for Death Benefit Insurance the following must apply:

• The deceased must have been a member of Athenry Credit Union for the previous twelve months,
• The member must have joined Athenry Credit Union before their 70th birthday,
• The deceased must have a minimum of €200 in shares on date of death.

DBI is a unique service offered by some credit unions to help pay for end of life expenses. It pays a fixed lump sum in the event of death and where death is as a result of an accident, the lump sum can be doubled. There are some terms and conditions to meet for inclusion and you should ask at your local branch for more information.

Once you are included for DBI you will continue to be insured as long as you remain a member of the credit union and a premium is paid each year. This will be the case even if your health worsens and as long as your credit union keeps the service in place. Note the lump sum payable and amount of savings required in your account can change from year to year, so please check with your credit union.

(Terms and conditions apply for more information please contact Athenry Credit Union.)