Having an employee off for a period of time due to illness or injury can be a stressful experience for everyone involved. No employee wants to be worrying about how they’ll pay the bills during their leave of absence, and no employer wants to be stressed about paying wages for work that isn’t being completed.
Group Income Protection can help serve as a financial safety net for both parties in the case of such an employee absence.
But ensuring that you are accurately navigating the claims process for your Group claims is important to help progress your claim decision and payment. In this article, we are going to remind you of what Group income Protection Insurance is, run you through the claims process, and answer any questions you may have about receiving the Group Income Protection claims benefit. Let’s get into it!
What is Group Income Protection Insurance?
Group Income Protection is a policy that regularly pays employees a percentage of their salary, if they can’t work due to injury or illness, until they can return to work, or until the plan benefit term expires or until retirement.
The main type of Group Income Protection Insurance is employer funded. This means it is decided and funded by the business. It is the employer’s responsibility to pay the premiums, but they are also able to choose the level of protection they want to provide and how quickly it starts.
How to make a Group Income Protection claim?
Making a Group claim is a relatively easy process, however it’s important to have everything in order to increase the likelihood of a successful payout. Let’s run through how to make a Group Income Protection claim with us here at Wiltshire Friendly:
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Who to speak to: At Wiltshire Friendly, we offer a dedicated claims handler that will act as your point of contact throughout the claim period. If your claim isn’t straightforward, we also offer the opportunity to speak directly to our Chief Operating Officer.
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Informing of the absence: The employer will advise that the employee is off work within 28 days of the start of incapacity, though ideally by end of week 3 to expedite the claims management process.
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Employer provides evidence: The employer is asked to complete a claim form and provide supporting information, such as pay slips and job description. They will also be asked to provide ongoing medical certification by email.
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Employee provides evidence: The employee is also asked to complete the claim form, which includes a medical consent form. This is usually done by post. Wiltshire Friendly deals directly with the staff member, rather than their workplace. All information exchanged is confidential and will not be shared with the employer.
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Regular communication: Wiltshire Friendly engages in regular communication with both the employer and the employee. Information disclosed between parties during this communication will not be shared.
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Benefit payment: Once sufficient information has been received for the claim assessment, and once the claim has been admitted, the GIP payments are paid every four weeks in arrears to the employer. This benefit will then be paid to the employee through regular PAYE.
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Frequent reviews: Even after payments have begun, the claim is regularly reviewed. These reviews may require the employer to provide ongoing medical information, such as fit notes, in order to confirm the ongoing duration.
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Additional medical information: If the prognosis is unclear, the employee’s GP will be asked to explain the course of medical action being taken and the route to recovery. An occupational health assessment may also be considered to support the assessment of fitness for work and the return to work.
How Wiltshire Friendly can help
Wiltshire Friendly specialises in Income Protection Insurance, offering cover for individuals, employers, and sports players unable to work due to illness or injury.
Our Group Income Protection plans offer flexibility with various features and cost options tailored to your business and employee needs.
Contact us today to make a group claim, request increased cover, or discuss how we can assist you.