Paid up for Life (PUFL)

What is a Paid-Up-For-Life Membership? Paid Up For Life membership is a lifelong membership plan of The American Legion. It ensures you receive all the benefits of Legion membership for life. Lifetime membership is paid either in one payment giving you an immediate savings offer – or charged to your credit card in 12 equal monthly payments. Once you fulfill your membership dues, you'll never pay another dime in American Legion membership dues.

How is my cost calculated? Starting on Jan. 1, 2014, The American Legion rolled out a new, simplified procedure and cost calculation formula.  Previous PUFL forms (printed in 2009) are still accepted if submitted; however, most will find the new cost structure and incentives to be a better value. Age is the primary component used in the new pricing structure. In most cases, post dues are NOT a factor in the calculation. The cost is specifically calculated for you. Go to www.legion.org/join/PUFL to get your personalized Paid Up For Life offer.

Show your commitment. Join easily online (NEW): Just go to www.legion.org/join/pufl   and enter your name and member ID.  You can either choose to pay by credit card or print out the personalized form and mail it in with your check. 

If you don't have access to a computer and would like an application mailed to you, please call Department Headquarters at 207-873-3229.

What if my Post's dues increase? Being a Paid Up For Life member will protect you from any future dues increases at the post, department or national levels. That alone can save hundreds of dollars over the lifetime of your membership.

What about my subscription to The American Legion Magazine and other member benefits? As a Paid Up For Life member, you'll have a lifetime subscription, plus, you'll receive all active benefits of American Legion membership for life. And once your lifetime membership dues are fulfilled, you'll receive a permanent plastic card identifying you as a lifetime member. You'll also receive an annual American Legion membership card each year.

Am I eligible? Anyone who is currently an American Legion member or who is eligible for membership may become a Paid Up For Life member.

Why does Paid Up For Life seem to cost more than other organizations' "life" memberships? National Headquarters maintains a special Paid Up For Life Membership trust. Money from this trust can only be used to pay annual dues to your post, department and national headquarters. Each year the trust pays annual dues amounts to your post, department and national organization.

Though we cannot speak with authority on how other organizations set up their "life" memberships, they may not pay annual dues to the local, state and national organizations, resulting in a different cost structure.

What if I want to transfer to another post? You may transfer your Paid Up For Life membership to another participating post.

How do I become a Paid Up For Life member? It's easy. Just go to www.legion.org/join/PUFL and enter your name and member ID. You can either choose to pay by credit card or print out the personalized form and mail it in with your check.

Is a PUFL Member the same as a Life Member? No. A PUFL Membership is purchased, 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.

What if I still have questions? Call our customer service phone number: (800) 433-3318 (Monday - Friday).