What is a Remembrance Fund? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A remembrance fund is a financial resource established to cover expenses related to the death or serious illness of an employee or their immediate family members. This can include costs for obituary notices, flowers, or small gifts. These funds are exempt from certain reporting requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: An employee's spouse passes away. The employer uses the remembrance fund to cover the cost of flowers sent to the funeral.

Example 2: An employee is hospitalized for a serious illness, and the remembrance fund is used to send a small gift to their family to express support. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Memorial Fund A fund established in memory of a deceased person. Typically not limited to employees or their families.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) A program offering counseling and support services to employees. EAPs focus on mental health and well-being, while remembrance funds cover specific expenses.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are an employer considering establishing a remembrance fund, consult with a legal professional to ensure compliance with applicable laws. If you are an employee or a family member in need of support, reach out to your HR department to inquire about the availability of such a fund. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help in setting up or managing these funds.

Quick facts

  • Typical Expenses Covered: Obituary notices, flowers, small gifts.
  • Eligibility: Employees and their immediate family members.
  • Legal Exemption: Exempt from ERISA reporting requirements.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A remembrance fund is a financial resource to cover expenses related to the death or serious illness of an employee or their family members.