FAQs
Protected members
Why are some members protected and paying £5 or £3.75?
Protected members pay more because they get the extra £600 private medical consultation limit and this category is ring-fenced or “protected” because it is no longer available to new members. Protected members are people who joined the WMP Ben Fund before April 2013. Alternatively, they decided before April 2013 to stop paying into the Police Healthcare Scheme but stayed in the Benevolent Fund. This new definition was agreed by the Management Committee and Directors following the sale of PHS to Police Mutual.
Can I reduce my membership cost by changing from a protected member to a full member?
Yes, you can, but you will be unable to revert back at any stage.
Private Medical Consultations
How do I access private medical consultations?
Firstly, it’s a good idea to check with the Benevolent Fund office on 0121 752 4919 (office hours 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Wed) that you are eligible for this benefit. If you are, then you will need a referral from your GP and, after that, you simply arrange an appointment at any hospital to see a consultant or specialist.
Does it cover tests?
No, this benefit is for consultations only.
Who pays the bill?
We ask members to settle their bills and we will reimburse you.
Death Benefit
Why aren’t retired members eligible for the death benefit?
The Operations Committee and Trustees decided many years ago that members are no longer eligible for this benefit once they retire. The removal of this benefit is reflected in the cost of the subscription, which is why retired members pay less.
Applying for convalescence
St Michael’s Lodge
To view our FAQs relating to your stay click here
Applying for online counselling
St Michael’s Lodge
FAQs:
Q: If I am successful in receiving eight sessions of online counselling through St Michael’s Lodge (SML), will I still be allowed to apply for Wellbeing and Convalescence breaks as well?
A: No, your successful application for online counselling at SML counts as your one visit per calendar year to St Michael’s Lodge, therefore you will not be able to apply to stay at St Michael’s for wellbeing or convalescence that same year. You may, however, put in an application the following year. This also applies if you have already stayed at SML for wellbeing and convalescence and wish to apply for online counselling – the same rules apply – you will have to wait until the next calendar year to put in an application.
Applying for sickness vouchers
How often can I claim them?
You can claim one sickness voucher each year if you’re off sick for less than four months. If you’re off sick for more than four months you can claim a second voucher but you can’t claim more than two per year.
If I’m back at work after being off sick for more than 21 days can I still claim sickness vouchers?
Yes, providing your sickness ended no more than 6 months previously.
Can I have cash instead of sickness vouchers?
Unfortunately, there is no alternative to this benefit.
My voucher never arrived – can they be re-sent?
We keep a record of all vouchers despatched, and the address they were sent to. They cannot be cancelled or re-issued.
Peel’s Retreat, Weymouth holiday home
To view our FAQs relating to your stay click here
