PSS's mission is to strengthen the capacity of older New Yorkers,

their families, and communities to thrive!

Toll-Free Caregiver Hotline: (866) 665-1713
PSS's mission is to strengthen the capacity of older New Yorkers,

their families, and communities to thrive!

Toll-Free Caregiver Hotline: (866) 665-1713

Bequests / Wills Language

Do I Really Need a Will?

Yes! Every adult should at least have a will. If you don’t have a will, the state in which you live will determine how your assets are divided – and also decide the guardianship of those under your care. As for all the nonprofits you lovingly supported throughout the years, like PSS… they will get nothing.

A will is a legal document that specifies your important wishes such as – who will inherit your property after you are deceased; how your spouse, loved-ones or pets will be cared for; who will be the executor of your estate; and what charities may be supported.

A bequest is a gift made to charities or individuals, through an amendment (codicil) to an existing will or when creating a new will. A bequest costs you nothing now, is flexible and can often be established easily.

Below is sample language which you may use in amending your will through a codicil or creating your will. Please be sure to review any changes to your will with an attorney or estate planning advisor.

  • Specific Bequest:     I give, devise and bequeath _______________ (insert dollar amount or item of property to be donated) to Presbyterian Senior Services, with headquarters located at 2095 Broadway – Suite 409 NYC, NY 10023 and federal tax identification number 13-1981482, to be used for helping older New Yorkers continue to thrive.
  • Residuary Bequest:     I give, devise and bequeath _______________ (insert % amount) of all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to Presbyterian Senior Services, with headquarters located at 2095 Broadway – Suite 409 NYC, NY 10023 and federal tax identification number 13-1981482, to be used for helping older New Yorkers continue to thrive.
  • Contingency Gift (Takes effect only if a primary intention of your will can’t be met):     If _______________ (name of beneficiary) does not survive me, or shall die during the administration of my estate, or as a result of a common disaster, then I give to Presbyterian Senior Services, all of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, to be used for its benefit.
  • Restricted Gift (Specific or Residuary) Bequest:     I give, devise and bequeath _______________ (insert dollar amount, item of property or % of residue) to Presbyterian Senior Services, to be used exclusively [insert restricted use language here, such as: for caregiving services, adult education, older adult centers, etc.].
  • Safety Language (Language added whenever a gift is restricted):     In the event the purposes of the restriction, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of Presbyterian Senior Services, can no longer be served the Board may devote any remaining assets exclusively for charitable purposes that: (a) are within the scope of the charitable purposes of Presbyterian Senior Services (b) most nearly approximate the original purpose of the gift.

To Amend Your Existing Will, Create a Codicil

A codicil is a separate legal document that is used to make amendments (changes) to an existing will and should be saved with that will. You can describe any changes you wish, within that document. The language provided above can be included, as may be relevant to your intent. Once completed, you will need to both sign the codicil and have your signing witnessed by two persons who are not beneficiaries of your will. It should also be notarized.

To download a sample codicil document that you can edit, Click Here for PDF Version or Click Here to Download a Word Document version.

To Write a New Will

If you do not already have a will, or wish to write a new one, we recommend working with an attorney to create one that is specific to your state. However, if you wish to create a will on your own (which you can legally do), at no cost to you, you can use an online service like FreeWill.com to create one. Once you have created your will, download, print and sign it. Be sure to save it in a secure but accessible location.

Click here to go to FreeWill, to create a new will.

Please tell us about your gift!

Some people include PSS in their will without telling us. But we would welcome the chance to say thank you. And, your gift can inspire others to make a similar gift to PSS to help future older New Yorkers.

To notify us of a legacy gift you have planned, or to discuss the best gift option for you, please contact our Development Department by calling (212) 874-6633 or emailing giving@pssusa.org.

Click here to learn more ways to give to PSS.