Ordinary members who suffer a bereavement or an injury on or off-duty may be eligible for benefits under the FBU’s accident and injury fund.
The Accident and Injury Fund (AIF) is a communal fund that is available for Fire Brigades Union members that contribute into it, so that when one of the contributing members suffers from a bereavement or an injury, they can benefit from it. It is a shared support for when members are in distress and need monetary assistance. It is not a charity or insurance; it is a case-by-case support fund.
There are multiple benefits that can be claimed by members contributing to this fund. These benefits can be applied for by liaising with local FBU officials to complete the relevant forms and documents which are then sent to FBU head office for review. Please be aware that no claim is guaranteed for approval, and it needs to meet the criteria of the FBU Rule Book.
Temporary Disablement
Through this, the member is entitled to 30% of a Firefighter’s (competent) weekly rate of pay, per week, for the duration of the disablement and while the member is on less than full pay, for a maximum of 52 weeks. This is paid on a rolling basis, subject to remaining eligible. When a second claim is made within one year from the end of the first claim, the benefits are halved, meaning they were 15% of a Firefighter’s (competent) weekly rate of pay. If a third claim is made, then the benefits are halved again at 7.5%.
Permanent Disablement
The member is paid 50% of a Firefighter’s (competent) annual salary in one lump sum.
Death of a member
On the death of a member, 100% of a Firefighter’s (competent) annual salary is paid in a lump sum to the AIF nominee(s). An additional 20% of a Firefighter’s (competent) annual salary will be paid for each dependent child.
Death of a partner or dependent
On the death of partner or dependent of a member, 20% of a Firefighter’s (competent) annual salary will be paid to the member.
This is a short summary of the AIF and does not contain all the details and requirements. Further information can be found in the FBU Rule Book which can be accessed via the FBU website.
The fund is financed by members’ contributions, and in recent years we have handled more than £600,000 worth of claims by FBU members every year.
For more information, including information on how to submit a claim and for help in filling it in, contact your local official or email legal&[email protected].
