Why Transparency Around Claims Matters
When it comes to employee benefits, people often ask a simple question: “Will this really pay out if I need it?”
That is why showing real examples of claims is so important. Employees trust real outcomes more than theoretical promises. Seeing how others in the construction industry have been supported builds confidence that their own family would be looked after too.
Welplan’s discretionary funds are designed to pay fairly, with over 99% of claims approved. Payments are usually processed quickly, often within two working days, so employees and their families are not left waiting during already difficult times.
By sharing claim stories openly, employers can make benefits feel tangible. Instead of being seen as a line in a contract, Welplan becomes a safety net that staff know they can rely on. This transparency strengthens trust and helps demonstrate the true value of providing employee benefits.
What A Typical Claim Looks Like
Welplan’s claims process is designed to be clear, quick, and supportive for both employees and employers. Here’s how it typically works from the moment something happens to the point payment is received:
The incident occurs: An employee is unable to work due to illness, accident, or a family bereavement.
Notification: The employee provides a fit note or self-certificate to their employer, who then submits the claim on their behalf.
Employer submission: Employers complete a straightforward claim form and send it to Welplan, either digitally or by email.
Review and approval: The claim is checked against scheme rules. With no medical checks required upfront and clear eligibility rules, this step is usually quick.
Payment: Once approved, funds are transferred directly, often within two working days.
Because Welplan schemes are operated under discretionary trusts, the process is people-focused rather than profit-driven. Claims are assessed fairly, with more than 99% resulting in a payout.
This simple, well-tested process gives employees reassurance at a time when they may feel vulnerable and ensures employers can demonstrate that support is being delivered in practice.
Three Common Scenarios
To show how Welplan works in practice, here are three anonymised examples of typical employee claims. These illustrate the speed of payment, the type of cover provided, and the reassurance employees felt when support was needed.
1. Site Injury – Three Weeks Off Work
What happened: An operative injured his hand on site and was signed off work for three weeks.
What was covered: From the eighth day of absence, Welplan sickness benefit was paid on top of Statutory Sick Pay. This meant his income stayed steady during recovery.
How quickly it was paid: The employer submitted a doctor’s fit note, and the claim was approved within two days. Payment followed immediately.
Employee experience: The worker reported relief that his wages were protected and that he didn’t need to worry about bills while focusing on recovery.
2. Bereavement – Death Benefit Paid To Family
What happened: A long-serving employee sadly passed away suddenly from a heart attack.
What was covered: Welplan’s death benefit of £35,000 was paid to his nominated beneficiaries.
How quickly it was paid: Once the employer submitted the claim and expression of wish form, payment was made within two working days.
Family experience: The family expressed gratitude that financial support was available so quickly, helping them cover funeral costs and immediate expenses without added stress.
3. Mental Health Absence – 10 Days Off work
What happened: An electrician experienced severe stress and was signed off work for two weeks.
What was covered: Although the first week was a waiting period, Welplan sickness benefit started from day eight and was paid alongside Statutory Sick Pay.
How quickly it was paid: The employer submitted the claim with a fit note, and funds were released within days.
Employee experience: The employee appreciated that mental health conditions were treated the same as physical illnesses, and his line manager felt supported in being able to reassure him that income protection was in place.
How The Employer Is Involved
Employers play an important but straightforward role in the Welplan claims process. Their main responsibility is to support the employee and make sure the correct paperwork is submitted quickly.
Typical steps for employers include:
Collecting evidence: This may be a self-certificate for short-term sickness or a doctor’s fit note for longer absences. In the event of a death claim, an expression of wish form guides the trustees on how to distribute benefits.
Completing the claim form: Employers provide employee details and confirm eligibility. The forms are designed to be simple and can be submitted by email.
Sending information to Welplan: Once received, the Welplan team reviews the claim and handles everything directly.
Communicating with staff: Employers are in the best position to reassure the employee (or their family) that benefits are in place and the claim is being processed.
Because Welplan’s administration team is UK-based and directly reachable, employers always have personal support if they need guidance. Claims are usually turned around within two working days, meaning the administrative burden is light, and staff are not left waiting for answers.
This quick, people-focused approach helps employers demonstrate care and responsibility without being weighed down by red tape.
Why Employers Value This
For employers, the true value of Welplan’s claims process is not just in the financial protection it provides but in the reassurance and loyalty it builds.
Retention and loyalty: Employees who feel supported during difficult times are far more likely to stay. Research shows that 75% of workers are more likely to remain with their employer when strong benefits are in place.
Reputation and trust: Quick, fair payouts show that the employer genuinely cares about their staff, strengthening morale and company culture.
Protection from risk: In construction, where sickness, accidents, and bereavements can have sudden impacts, having a trusted partner like Welplan ensures employers are not left to manage these challenges alone.
Light-touch administration: With claims usually paid within two working days, HR teams and site managers can focus on supporting employees rather than chasing paperwork.
In short, Welplan provides peace of mind for employees while giving employers a reliable, people-first way to deliver on their duty of care.
Turn Transparency Into Trust
Real stories show the difference employee benefits can make when they are needed most. By sharing these examples with your team, you can help staff understand the practical value of Welplan cover.
Download the claims process overview from the Welplan website or speak directly to a member of our support team for guidance on handling claims quickly and confidently.
With the right communication, you can reassure employees that benefits are real, reliable, and there to protect them when it matters.