Frequently Asked Questions

If you thinking about joining the Society or a member and have a question, to save you time why not review the frequently asked questions below before you pick up the phone.

• Do you offer cover for people without sick pay?

  Yes.

  The membership is designed to help support people who may not receive full sick pay from an employer.

• Do you cover self-employed workers?

  Yes.

  Membership is available to employed and self-employed workers, subject to eligibility criteria.

• What is sickness benefit?

  Sickness benefit provides weekly financial support if illness or injury prevents you from working.

• What can I claim for?

  What can I claim Discretionary membership benefits for?

  Eligible claims can include:

  • Dental treatment and dentures
  • Glasses, contact lenses and eye tests
  • Physiotherapy and therapy costs
  • Private consultations and medical costs
  • Hospital stays and maternity support
  • Housing and education costs
• What happens if I make a sickness claim that lasts 5 years?

  Your membership can provide sickness benefit payments for up to 5 years for the same illness or medical condition.

  If your claim reaches the maximum 5-year payment period, payments for that specific condition will stop. However, you will remain a Society member and can continue to access support for any future eligible claims if you return to work and later become unable to work again due to a different illness or condition.

  To maintain membership and benefit eligibility, membership fees must continue to be paid throughout your membership, including during any claim period.

• What happens when my sickness benefit cover ends?

  Your sickness benefit cover continues until age 70.

  After this, eligible members can continue their Society membership to retain access to Discretionary member benefits, voting rights and death benefit support.

  Members who continue their Society membership may also become eligible for free lifetime membership from age 85.

   

• Can I cancel my membership?

  Yes.

  After the initial 30-day period, you can cancel your membership at any time with no cancellation charges or exit fees.

  To cancel your membership, contact the Membership Team by email or telephone.

  Any refund due will be calculated taking account of any sickness benefit or Discretionary Benefit claims made during the previous 12 months.

• What are my cancellation rights?

  After the proposal is accepted you will receive a Notice of your right to cancel. You will then have 30 days in which you can change your mind. If you cancel within this 30 day period you will receive a full refund of any contributions paid. To cancel your policy, visit graveshamfriendly.co.uk, log on to your account, select adjust/amend your membership and select cancel my policy.

• Do I need to tell you if I change my email, phone or postal address?

  Yes, so that we can continue to contact you in respect of your Sickness Benefit Plan and Society membership. Please log into your account at graveshamfriendly.co.uk, select adjust your membership details press submit or contact the membership team on 01474 567050.

• Can I continue with my Policy if I change employment?

  Yes, if you change job, are seeking employment or move into full time education you can continue your Sickness Benefit Plan. To maintain our commitment to low premiums and a simple application process, the Society excludes membership to  individuals working in a small number of  higher-risk occupations. In the event your new occupation is on our exclusion list we will contact you to guide you through the cancellation process.

• How do I make a sickness benefit claim?

  To make a Sickness Benefit Claim:

  Please complete the following steps.

  • Log into your membership portal
  • Select “Make a claim”
  • Complete the claim form
  • Upload your doctor’s fit note or supporting medical evidence
  • Submit your claim securely online

  Our Membership Team will confirm receipt of your claim and keep you updated throughout the process.

   

• Are sickness benefit payments taxed?

  Sickness benefit payments and Discretionary membership benefits are currently paid tax free.

  However, tax rules may change in the future.

• Can I change my level of cover in the future?

  Yes.

  You can switch between the £100 and £250 weekly sickness benefit options if your circumstances change.

  If you increase your level of cover, a new 13-week qualifying period will apply to the increased level of sickness benefit.

   

   

• When can I claim sickness benefit?

  You can claim sickness benefit after completing the initial 13-week qualifying period.

  Please note that the first 7 days of sickness are not covered by the plan.

• How long does it take before my Plan is effective?

  The Sickness Benefit Plan and Society membership will start once the application has been accepted and the first contribution has been paid.

• Will my premium go up after my Plan is set up?

  Premiums published on the website and application form are inflation proof and guaranteed throughout the Sickness Benefit Plan term.

  These increase gradually as you get older reflecting an increasing sickness risk. As you move to the next age band your premium will increase to the next level, see published premium table on the membership page. The Society will notify you at least 15 days in advance of any change to your direct debit payment.
  Sickness benefit ends at age 70. Beyond this, members have the following options
  1. Continue as a Society member by paying £15 per month membership fee providing access to the full range of discretionary benefits including death benefit. When members reach age 85, premiums end and free life membership is provided.
  2. Notify the Society via email, phone or post you wish to cancel membership with no exit fees.

• What is covered by the Plan?

  The Sickness Benefit Plan will pay you £100 or £250 per week sickness benefit – please note that the first 7 days of sickness are not covered by the Sickness Benefit Plan.

• Is any line of work acceptable?

  To maintain our commitment to low premiums and a simple application process, the Society excludes membership to  individuals working in a small number of  higher-risk occupations.

• Who can apply for Membership?

  Membership is available to people aged between 16 and 60 who are in work or looking for work and resident in the UK.

• How do I apply?

  You can apply online through the website or contact the Membership Team for assistance with your application.

  The application process is designed to be simple and straightforward.