Income protection provider Cirencester Friendly is offering a new member benefit as part of its rewards package.

Children’s Critical Illness Support has been added, free of charge, for all members who hold an active income protection policy with the society.

The society said that it is recognised that when children become critically ill, the cost of care often puts pressure on finances, with added expenditure including attending medical appointments and potentially purchasing medical equipment. Often this could mean having to take a career break or make lifestyle changes.

Cirencester Friendly’s Children’s Critical Illness Support provides a one-off monetary lump sum of £2,500 to help ease financial pressures, so their members and their families can focus on what matters most.

The provider said that its product has been designed to be simple and straightforward to understand, and the “claims process sympathetic” to the circumstances.

David Macgregor (pictured), commercial director at Cirencester Friendly, said: “The introduction of Children’s Critical Illness Support is another great addition to our contracts. The features and processes have been designed with our members in mind and we have simplified the claims process to be sympathetic to the sensitive circumstances.

“This cover, in addition to our existing value added benefits package including Member Rewards which provides a host of family savings, The 125 Foundation, Fitbit discounts and our Friendly Voice service provided by RedArc, enhances our already comprehensive proposition.”