Paid up for Life (PUFL)
What is a Paid-Up-For-Life Membership? A PUFL membership is purchased with a lump sum that makes you a Paid-Up-For-Life member of The American Legion. Joining the thousands who've already become Paid-Up-For-Life assures you of all the benefits of American Legion membership for life, with no additional future payment - no matter how much the cost of your benefits may go up.
Show your commitment. Download a PUFL application and Rate Sheet and become a Paid-Up-For-Life Member now! (Clicking on the link opens the file. To save the file to your computer, right click on the link and choose 'Save as'. )
- Application:
pufl_new.pdf 18.24 KB - Rate Sheet:
pufl2004_chart.pdf 42.13 KB.
What if my Post's dues increase? You're already covered. One of the best parts of a Paid-Up-For-Life membership is that it automatically includes any dues increases. So, no matter what inflation does, you never have to pay another penny in dues.
Does Paid-Up-For-Life mean my insurance is paid up too? No. However, if you have American Legion Life Insurance, you won't ever have to be concerned about your insurance being cancelled because you forget to pay your dues one year. You're paid up for life. You still must pay your insurance premium when it is due.
What about my subscription to The American Legion Magazine? It's paid-up too and you'll continue to receive monthly issues for life.
How do people know I'm paid up for life? Once the cost of yourmembership has been paid in full, you will receive a permanent plastic card identifying you as a Paid-Up-For-life member. You will also receive an annual membership card each year, at no additional cost.
Who is eligible? Any member in good standing (with dues paid for the current calendar year).
How do I join the program? You can purchase the program only through your Post. Just contact your Post Adjutant or Finance Officer for an application.
How much will it cost me? Your cost is based on two factors- your age and the amount of your Post's dues, at the time you purchase our PUFL Membership. (Download the rate sheet to determine you exact cost.)
Do I have to pay the full amount all at once? No. You may take up to 12 months to pay. At least 10% of your total cost must accompany your application.
What kind of payment is accepted? You may pay by check, Master Card, BISA, Discover or American Express.
Where does my money go? National Headquarters maintains a special Paid-Up-For-Life Membership trust. Money from this trust can be used only to pay annual dues each year to your Post, Department, and National Headquarters. The trust automatically covers any dues increases.
What if I want to transfer to another Post? Unually, there's no problem. PUFL Members may transfer from a Post in one participating Department to a participating Post in another Department. (Only two Departments [Kansas and Nebraska] do not have this plan available, and only some Posts in those Departments accept transfers.)
Are there ever any refunds? Refunds will be made ONLY if the member's Post Charter is cancelled and/or the member cannot complete a PUFL transfer.
Is a PUFL Member the same as a Life Member? No. A PUFL Membership is purshased, while a Life Membership is honorary and provided by the member's Post. A Post may, however, find purchasing PUFL Memberships, on behalf of honorees, the most economical way to provide Life Memberships. This in no way affects the member's Honorary Life Membership status.
