What happens if the contracts are not funded in three years?
In order to guarantee the prices in the contracts, Arlington requires that the contracts be funded over a three year period.  We do this to protect against inflation.  Inflation within the industry typically runs at 3%-4% per year.  If contracts are not funded over a three year period, Arlington must make inflation adjustments to the prices in the contract to meet this shortfall.  The average adjustment is usually $100 to $250:  Then the client has another three years to complete the funding. 

Payments to the Trust should be flexible and according to the need of the client and/or agency.  We do not pressure the agency or the client for payments.  No carrying cost or interest is charged.

Are there any yearly fees? 
Arlington does not charge any yearly fees on the Irrevocable Trust contracts.  Once the contract is fully funded, prices are guaranteed for the life of the contract. 

How does an agency make changes to the contracts?
Arlington will work with agencies and families to change from one type of contract to another based upon the needs of the client.  The agency is in complete control of all decisions and there is a minimum of time required by the staff.  We have a large network of funeral homes that will honor our contracts in states that we service.

The client already has an irrevocable savings account and/or an insurance policy.  Can these be placed in the Arlington Irrevocable Trust program? 

In the case of a pre-existing insurance policy, Arlington can link the insurance policy to the burial trust by requesting the insurance company to convert the policy into a “paid-up” value.  The owner changes the beneficiary to AmeriServ Trust, the trustees of the burial trust.   

In the case of a pre-existing irrecovable savings account, Arlington will provide the documentation on their letterhead to have the account transferred to the client’s burial trust.  

Where are the funds held?  How are they managed? 
All funds are held in trust at AmeriServ Trust Company in Johnstown, PA.   All checks are made out to AmeriServ Trust Company. 

Funds are conservatively managed to ensure the principal is available at the time of need. The strategy is to return slightly more than inflation.  As a consequence, the bulk of the funds are held in medium-term bonds with AAA ratings.   

What are Arlington’s prices?
Prices of our contracts are significantly less (~$2,000 or more) for the same merchandise and services than the average price offered in the market place.  Prices depend upon location of agency and clients.  Please call for current cost for these programs in your area.

Getting Started
An agency can become a participant in our Burial Trust Program by calling us or emailing a request.