How to get free life insurance

Working-poor parents and guardians may be eligible for $50,000 policies to pay for their kids' educations. And yes, it really is free.

This is not a scam. I promise. The MassMutual insurance company really has committed to writing $1 billion worth of free term life insurance policies for the working poor.

The drawback: Since it's a term life policy, you have to die for your kids to collect.

But you know what? Life is uncertain. If you got hit by a bus on the way to your part-time job, could your spouse or partner manage to get the kids through college or trade school?


If your response is "Where do I sign up?," read on. (Post continues after video)

MassMutual has written more than 12,300 policies since beginning the LifeBridge Free Life Insurance Program in 2002. You may qualify if you are:

• A permanent, legal resident of the U.S. and between ages 19 and 42.
• The parent or legal guardian of a dependent child or children under age 18.
• Employed full or part time, with total family income of between $10,000 and $40,000.
• The only member of your household who has applied for LifeBridge.
• In good health (as determined by the company).

More than just tuition

The $50,000 can be used for college, trade school, prep school and even preschool -- or to pay off a dependent's current student loans.

Qualifying expenses include tuition, on-campus housing, fees and textbooks. In at least one case, the policy paid for a computer when a student opted for online classes. 

LifeBridge is available in all 50 states. In the event of your death, the insurance payout is administered by a trust and split evenly among all your children. They have up to 10 years (or until age 35) to use it.

• Bing:Average student loan debt

To find an agent in your area, use this locator tool. Learn more about the program by downloading the FAQs and/or a LifeBridge application (both are .pdf documents) from MassMutual's Corporate Responsibility page.

Few people like to think about dying, especially if they have kids. A free life insurance policy could provide some peace of mind -- and it's free.

Incidentally, the program is income-based but you get to keep the policy even if your salary were to go up during that 10-year term. Life is uncertain, after all.

More on MSN Money:

• Ignore the talk: College is vital
• Übercheap eye exams and glasses
• Is your kid saving for retirement?