Beneficiary Cash Advance: How to Get Money Before Probate Closes

A beneficiary cash advance lets you access a portion of your expected inheritance now, before probate closes. Instead of waiting months or years for the estate to settle, you receive cash in as little as 24-48 hours. Repayment comes from your inheritance when the estate closes—there are no monthly payments and no credit check required.

If you're named as a beneficiary in a will or trust and need money now, here's everything you need to know about beneficiary advances.

What Is a Beneficiary Cash Advance?

A beneficiary cash advance (also called an inheritance advance or probate advance) is a transaction where you sell a portion of your future inheritance to a funding company in exchange for immediate cash.

Key features:

• Not a loan – You're selling part of your inheritance at a discount, not borrowing
• No monthly payments – Repayment happens when the estate closes
• No credit check – Approval is based on your inheritance, not your credit score
• No personal liability – If the estate can't repay, you're not responsible for the balance
• Quick funding – Receive cash in 24-48 hours after approval

Example: You're expecting $100,000 from your grandmother's estate, but probate will take 12+ months. You need $25,000 now for urgent expenses. A beneficiary advance company gives you $25,000 today. When the estate closes, they receive $32,500 from your share (a $7,500 fee), and you receive your remaining $67,500.

How Beneficiary Advances Differ from Loans

This distinction matters for understanding how the product works:

*If the estate doesn't have enough to repay the advance, you typically don't owe the difference.

Why it matters: Because an advance isn't a loan, it won't affect your credit score, won't add to your monthly debt obligations, and doesn't require you to qualify based on income or credit history.

Who Qualifies for a Beneficiary Cash Advance?

You may qualify if you meet these basic requirements:

Required

• Named as beneficiary – You're named in a will, trust, or as an heir under intestacy law
• Estate in probate – Probate has been filed (or is about to be filed)
• Sufficient inheritance – Your expected share is large enough to make the transaction viable
• Legitimate estate – The estate is real and verifiable

Not Required

• Good credit score
• Current employment
• Minimum income level
• Collateral
• Co-signer

Situations That May Affect Qualification

• Will contests – If the will is being contested, approval may be delayed or declined
• Significant debts – If the estate owes substantial debts, your net inheritance may be uncertain
• Unclear shares – If it's unclear how much you'll receive, qualification is difficult
• Very small inheritances – Most companies have minimum advance amounts ($5,000-$15,000)

How the Beneficiary Advance Process Works

Step 1: Application

You provide basic information:

• Your contact details
• Deceased person's name and date of death
• Estimated value of the estate
• Your relationship and expected inheritance share
• Basic probate status

Most applications can be completed online or over the phone in about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Documentation

You'll need to provide documents to verify the estate and your inheritance:

Typically required:

• Death certificate (copy)
• Copy of the will (if there is one)
• Probate case information (case number, court, executor)
• Your photo ID

Sometimes required:

• Letters Testamentary
• Inventory of estate assets
• Contact information for executor or estate attorney

Tip: If you don't have all the documents, the advance company may be able to obtain some directly from the probate court.

Step 3: Review and Approval

The funding company reviews the estate to verify:

• The estate is real and in probate
• You're a legitimate beneficiary
• Your expected inheritance is sufficient
• No major red flags (massive debt, fraud, etc.)

This typically takes 1-3 business days.

Step 4: Quote and Agreement

You receive a quote showing:

• The advance amount you can receive
• The total repayment amount
• Any fees or charges
• Terms and conditions

You decide whether to proceed. There's no obligation to accept the quote.

Step 5: Funding

Once you sign the agreement, funds are sent via:

• Wire transfer (fastest)
• Check
• ACH deposit

Most funding happens within 24-48 hours of signing.

Step 6: Repayment

When the estate closes and your inheritance is distributed:

• The advance company receives their payment directly from the estate
• You receive the remainder of your share
• No action required from you—it's handled automatically

What Can You Use a Beneficiary Advance For?

There are no restrictions on how you use the funds. Common uses include:

Immediate Expenses

• Funeral and burial costs
• Final medical bills
• Estate-related legal fees

Ongoing Bills

• Mortgage or rent payments
• Utility bills
• Insurance premiums
• Car payments

Debt Payoff

• Credit card balances
• High-interest loans
• Tax obligations

Major Purchases or Investments

• Home down payment
• Starting a business
• Medical procedures
• Vehicle purchase

Quality of Life

• Living expenses during a difficult time
• Taking time off work for grief or estate matters
• Travel to handle estate business

How Much Can You Receive?

The amount you can receive depends on:

Your Expected Inheritance Share

Most companies advance 20-50% of your expected net inheritance.

Example: If you're expecting $200,000 net after debts, you might be able to receive $40,000-$100,000 in advance.

Minimum and Maximum Limits

Smaller estates may not meet minimum thresholds. Very large advances may require additional verification.

Estate Certainty

If there's uncertainty about your final inheritance amount (pending creditor claims, potential will contest, etc.), the advance amount may be more conservative.

What Happens If...

The Estate Takes Longer Than Expected?

No problem. There's no deadline for repayment. The advance company waits until the estate closes, even if it takes years. Your repayment amount typically stays the same.

The Estate Has Less Money Than Expected?

If the estate turns out to have less than anticipated due to debts, taxes, or other claims, a few things can happen:

• Your advance is repaid from whatever you do receive
• If your inheritance doesn't fully cover the advance, you typically don't owe the difference personally

This is a key protection: The funding company takes on the risk that the estate may not have enough to fully repay them.

I Want to Pay It Back Early?

Usually there's no benefit or penalty for the estate closing early. The repayment amount is set when you take the advance—it doesn't change based on timing.

There's a Will Contest?

Will contests can complicate advances. Some companies will still provide funding (at higher fees reflecting the risk), while others may wait for the contest to resolve.

I Don't Get My Inheritance?

If you end up not receiving an inheritance (the will is invalidated and you're not an intestate heir, for example), you typically don't owe anything. The funding company assumes this risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a beneficiary advance the same as an inheritance advance?

Yes. Beneficiary advance, inheritance advance, probate advance, and estate advance all refer to essentially the same product—getting cash now in exchange for a portion of your future inheritance.

Do I need the executor's permission?

You don't need the executor's permission to take an advance on your own share. However, the executor will typically be contacted to verify estate details, and they'll be involved when the advance is repaid at closing.

Does this affect other beneficiaries?

No. Your advance only affects your share of the inheritance. Other beneficiaries receive their full shares as specified in the will. They're not responsible for your repayment.

Will this show up on my credit report?

No. Because it's not a loan, a beneficiary advance doesn't appear on your credit report and doesn't affect your credit score.

What if I'm not sure how much I'll inherit?

The funding company will review the estate documents to estimate your share. If there's significant uncertainty, you may receive a more conservative offer. You can also wait until the estate picture is clearer.

Can I get multiple advances?

Possibly. If you initially take a smaller advance and later need more, you may be able to get an additional advance. This depends on how much of your inheritance remains un-advanced and the company's policies.

Are beneficiary advances available in all states?

Most states allow beneficiary advances. A few states have specific regulations. The funding company will confirm availability in your state during the application process.

How to Apply

Getting a beneficiary cash advance is straightforward:

1. Contact us – Call or apply online
2. Provide basic information – About you and the estate
3. Submit documentation – Death certificate, will, probate info
4. Receive your quote – Clear terms with no obligation
5. Accept and get funded – Money in 24-48 hours

The process is designed to be simple during what's already a difficult time.