---
title: "What Is Face Amount? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "The face amount is the dollar amount of coverage stated on the policy. It is the base death benefit the carrier agrees to pay, before any loans, riders,..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/face-amount
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Policy mechanics

# Face Amount

The face amount is the dollar amount of coverage stated on the policy. It is the base death benefit the carrier agrees to pay, before any loans, riders, or reductions.

## Why it matters

If you buy a policy with a $15,000 face amount, that is the starting payout your family can expect. The actual payout can be lower if you have an unpaid loan, or in a graded plan if death occurs early from natural causes. It can be higher with riders such as accidental death. Compare the face amount with your real costs when you choose coverage.

Source: [law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/face_amount)

[Read next, for familiesFinal expense insurance: what it pays for, what it costs, and who it fits](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/final-expense)

## Where we use this term

-   [Burial insurance vs life insurance vs pre-need funeral plans: what is the difference?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/burial-insurance-vs-life-insurance-vs-preneed)
-   [How much does final expense insurance cost, and what sets the price?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/final-expense-insurance-cost)
-   [Guaranteed issue vs simplified issue: which fits your health and age?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/guaranteed-vs-simplified-issue)
-   [How do you file a life insurance claim after a loved one dies?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/how-to-file-a-life-insurance-claim)
-   [Indexed universal life (IUL) explained: caps, floors, costs, and risks](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/iul-explained)

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