Making a claim.

Once a claim has been accepted, the benefit will be paid direct to the employer monthly in arrears from the end of the deferred period.
It is the employer's responsibility to deduct income tax and national insurance contributions before passing the benefit to the member.

As soon as we’ve received the absence notification form, we’ll send the member the necessary forms and information, including an employee benefit guide. This is also available on our website. We always encourage the employer to maintain regular contact with the member as this can be key in helping them feel valued and part of the team. They are also likely to feel less isolated and concerned about returning to work.

In some cases, the employee may not be able to return to work before the end of the deferred period. In these circumstances, provided medical information supports the absence, we’ll start to pay benefits to the employer until the individual recovers or reaches the benefit termination age. You’ll need to deduct income tax and national insurance contributions and then pay the balance to the member.

During this time, we’ll continue to review the member's condition regularly to make sure they are still incapacitated and that the employer has up to date information on the individual and their illness or injury.

Jobs for life are now rare, which means there's no reason for employers to keep a long term absent employee on the payroll if there is no chance of them ever returning to work. For over 15 years we've agreed to pay benefit direct to the claimant, changing the definition of disability from own to suited occupation. Individuals can also be covered for life cover and pension contributions where we also insure those schemes.

Please note that employers should seek legal advice before terminating a claimant's contract of employment.