Union Welfare Fund

Benefits for Union Members: Each member contributes through their union fees to the fund which is managed by an elected committee for the purposes of providing grants and financial assistance.

Access to Benefits
Members have the right to access to the benefits immediately* upon joining the union. Workers made redundant retain their right to the benefits for a further three months (as long as they remain unemployed for those three months).

• Hardship grants after 3 months membership.

Funeral Benefits
The funeral benefit is paid from the Welfare Fund as soon as proof of the death having occurred is received.

A copy of a death notice inserted in a newspaper by a Funeral Director, is sufficient proof for immediate payment.

Financial Assistance
Applications can be made ofr assistance in times of financial hardship. These are considered as a last resort when all other avenues (WINZ etc) have been explored. It is important all applications for assistance be completed in full details as requested and should be supported by documents, ie accounts, to prevent any delay in the processing of the claim.

Grants Available from the Fund
Funeral Grant
Assistance for funeral costs on the death of a member or one of the members family:
For death of a member $2500.00
For death of a spouse or partner or a members child* $1750.00
(* Child must be under 18 years of age and financially dependant on the parent)

Financial Assistance in times of hardship to a maximum of $650.00
The amount of assistance granted is dependant upon the reason the hardship is requested and is totally at the discretion of the Welfare Committee.

Education Grants
Education Grants are granted on an annual basis in January of each year. Members can make application for assistance for themselves, partners or dependants for assistance toward further education. Grants are made at $500 per grant.

Application forms are available from your Site Delegate or email our office with your name and membership number and a copy can be posted out to you. Your completed application, with any necessary documentation should be forwarded to the Welfare National Co-ordinator, Dianne Dwight, 13 Cynthia Avenue, TeAroha.

BE SURE TO INCLUDE ANY NECESSARY ACCOUNTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.