Frequently Asked Questions

(Updated March 2024) 

Q 1: What if the funeral home you have contracted goes out of business? 

Your money is deposited in a LJF bank account and not with the funeral home. Funeral home going bankrupt doesn’t have any impact on your money. It is safe with the bank. California Department of Consumer Affairs (CDCA) controls and regulates many functions of all the funeral homes in our state. 

Q 2: What is my status if I move my residence outside of San Diego County? 

You cease to remain a member of LJF. 

Q 3: What happens if the promised services are not delivered for which I have paid my membership fee? 

The sole purpose of our foundation is to serve the members. Our cash flow and our contracted prices with the funeral homes, makes this program viable. We do not see any reason to default on our commitments except for a catastrophic situation beyond our control. 

Q 4: Why do we have to wait 90 days from joining the foundation to be eligible for benefits? 

Ninety days waiting is one of the conditions of all our membership. It takes approximately 90 days to attend to all the paperwork with funeral home and complete other formalities. 

Q 5: What happens if there is a cash shortfall after few years? 

Our calculations and analysis show that we should always remain in a positive cash situation. We will need to raise funds in case we encounter a situation of negative cash flow. 

Q 6: Who administers the foundation? Is the administrative body paid for the services? 

The Foundation is administered by the Executive Committee members. They are fully committed to this social work. They do not get paid any remuneration for their services. 

Q 7: How long the current executive committee remains in power? 

Any member of the committee can resign with 90 days’ notice. He/she will be replaced by the selection of a new person by the executive committee. 

Q 8: Is my membership fee tax deductible? 

We have a 501 (c) (3) certification for tax exemption as a non-profit entity. You may be able to deduct your fees on your income tax returns. You need to consult your tax advisor for taking this benefit. 

Q 9: Is the executive committee covered for any legal liability? 

Yes, it is. 

Q 10: How often members are appraised of the affairs of the foundation? 

Our plan is to put out periodic reports and updates as necessary. 

Q 11: What is the financial year of the foundation? 

Our fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30. 

Q 12: How my first year’s membership will be applied? 

Your first-year membership will end at the end of the current fiscal year. Your 2nd year membership will cover the next fiscal year from July 1 to June 30. 

Q 13: Can I cover my parents who live with me? 

You can only cover yourself. Your parents have to enroll separately. 

Q 14: What services are covered in your cremation plan? 

Covered services are: Remains transfer from hospital or home to mortuary, Facility for viewing and religious rituals, Funeral home fees including cost of casket, flowers, refrigeration, etc., Guide Book related to cremation and post cremation matters. 

Not Covered services are: No benefits for the first 90 days to all new Member, City permit fees, Fees Paid to the City for Copies of Death Certificates, Priest’s fee, Upgrades, Legal expenses. 

Q 15: How many locations are available to LJF members for cremation services? 

There are 3 locations available. North and South locations have crematory. Crematory at the central location is under construction and should be in operation in late 2024. All the three locations have facilities (assembly hall) for viewing and memorial services. 

CENTRAL: El Camino Memorial, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road in the Sorrento Valley 

SOUTH: Cypress View, 3953 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113 

Q 16: What support LJF will provide when a member passes away? 

Once you have informed one of the members of LJF executive committee and have made a call to Funeral Home (858-453-2121), LJF committee member will contact the funeral home to transfer the body from home or hospital to the funeral home, assist in finding the priest, help prepare the documentation, organize viewing, chanting, etc. and cremation. 

Q 17: Can we arrange our own priest for pre-cremation ceremonies? 

Yes, priest is your responsibility. LJF will assist to find the priest on your behalf. 

Q 18: What happens if I relocate outside of SD County? 

You cease to remain a member of LJF. 

Q 19: If I pay my membership fees on July 1, Does the actual benefit start from October 1? 

That is correct. Ninety days waiting is one of the conditions for all new memberships. 

Q 20: Is the LJF's cremation package price lower than price from other funeral homes? 

Yes, we have researched the market and then negotiated the price. Lower price is also based on volume and making a substantial pre-payment. 

Q 21: What is the current membership fee structure? 

Effective July 1, 2024, Individual Membership: 

1. 10 Years Membership (Age 70 and up): $6,500 

2. 10 Years Membership (Age 50 to 69): $3,500 

3. Annual Membership (Age 49 and under): $500 

Notes: Initial Registration Fee is $200. 90 days waiting period to start benefits for all categories. Given the fee structure we have, LJF will not accept applicants with pre-existing conditions leading to terminal illness. These prices are subject to change. 

Q 22: How will LJF reimburse the family if a member passes away outside of San Diego County and family decides to do cremation there? 

If a member’s cremation is conducted outside of San Diego County, LJF will refund $2,500 to members who have paid 10 years membership and $1,000 to members who have paid annual membership. 

Q 23: In what circumstances LJF will not be responsible for payment of cremation expenses? 

In no event will LJF be responsible or liable to pay for the cremation expenses of several deaths occurring at one instance, hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, accidents, fire, flood, earthquake, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, catastrophes, PANDEMICS, major accidents involving many members or acts of God, etc. 

Q 24: What if I become a member and then decide to cancel my membership after paying my dues? 

You have right to cancel the membership within 15 days of filling and paying the membership dues. The application fee of $200 will not be refunded. 

Q 25: What if I have pre-existing conditions? Am I obliged to let the LJF know? 

Yes, you must. It is entirely up to LJF to accept or deny the membership depending upon your pre-existing condition. 

Q 26: What happens if I am late in paying my membership dues? 

Your membership will be terminated if your dues are not paid within 30 days of due date.