Reduced fee policy
We understand that some of our members may have financial difficulties, so we offer a set reduction in product, services or membership fees for members who are in receipt of a state benefit (see list below) (not tax credits), in receipt of a state pension, or who are unwaged with no personal income. In addition to this, we also offer a discount to members who are earning a low income (see membership reduced fee request procedure below). We are unable to offer reduced membership fees based on other factors such as age, location or gender.
All product, service or membership fee reductions are based upon your membership fee, so it is important that, at renewal, you ensure your subscription is a true reflection of your current circumstances.
Reduced fee membership
If this reflects your circumstances we ask you each year at renewal (and upon application) to self-declare that you are either in receipt of a state benefit, state pension or are unwaged with no personal income. Your membership subscription will then be discounted accordingly.
State benefits currently accepted by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ
- Income Support
- Job Seekers’ Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- State Pension
- Personal Independence Payments
- Disability Living Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Council Tax Benefit (not discount)
- Housing Benefit
- Bereavement Allowance
If your benefit is not listed above (i.e. you are in receipt of a non-UK benefit or the benefit has only been introduced recently) please email membership@bacp.co.uk to check if we will accept it.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ offers this reduction at the time of current renewal only and takes into consideration your situation at this point. We are unable to grant the reduction retrospectively, but also conversely we do not expect you to pay the full membership fee should your circumstances change within the membership year you were granted the reduction. It is your responsibility to inform Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ at each renewal about your eligibility for reduced membership subscriptions. Refunds will not be issued for fees previously paid where you had not declared your eligibility in that membership subscription year.
Reduced fee membership only applies for the 12 months’ membership period and will need to be declared each year at renewal. The exception to this is where we have granted a ‘reduced fee for life’ for those in receipt of the state pension or a state benefit, which clearly shows the payments are ‘for life’ not where they are stated to be ‘indefinitely’.
Each month Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ will audit a random sample of members who are receiving reduced fee subscriptions to verify their eligibility. Members selected for audit will be required to provide evidence within 21 days that they are receiving a state benefit as declared or are unwaged with no personal income. This could be in the form of a copy of a letter from the Benefits’ Agency, a bank statement showing receipt of the benefit dated within the last 12 months or other evidence as specified by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ.
Should a member be found to be ineligible for the reduced fee membership their membership will be lapsed and the additional fee requested. Where a member is found to have given false or misleading information their membership may be withdrawn.Ìý
If the supporting evidence is not received within the 21 days membership will end.
In both circumstances members should refer to the Cancellation Policy for details of how to reinstate their membership. The outstanding fee or evidence of receipt of a state benefit will be needed in addition to the standard reinstatement process.
If you are taking a career break or are on maternity/paternity leave and consider yourself to be on a low income, we would advise you to apply for a reduce fee request (see below).Ìý
Membership reduced fee request
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ understands that in some circumstances a member may not meet the above eligibility criteria for reduced fee membership but the member may consider themselves to be receiving a low income.
Prior to the point of membership application or renewal only (within 30 days of renewal being due) a member can submit in writing to the Membership and Customer Services Manager a request for a percentage reduction in the main membership subscription fee, by detailing their current situation including a statement of their gross annual income for the next 12 months.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ will then make a decision using a fixed internal sliding scale based on the member’s estimated income and will award a corresponding percentage reduction ranging from 10% to 50%, applicable for the current 12 month membership period only. A unique voucher code would then be provided which can be applied to your cart during the online application or renewal process. Unfortunately, should a member be earning an income that is above our current threshold (currently £16,000) it is unlikely a reduction can be made and payment of the full membership subscription would be required. The decision of the Membership and Customer Services Manager is final in this instance.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ offers this reduced fee request at the time of renewal (or application) only and will take into account your situation at this point. We are unable to grant the appeal retrospectively, but also conversely we do not expect you to pay the full membership fee should your circumstances change within the membership year you were granted the appeal. Refunds will not be made for previously paid fees.
Conference and event reduced feesÌý
Members who are already in receipt of reduced fee membership (not through request) are entitled to the reduced fee prices for Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ conferences and events.
Accreditation application fees
Members who are already in receipt of reduced fee membership (not through request) are entitled to the reduced fee prices for their accreditation application.
Therapist directory
There are no reduced fee subscriptions for the therapist directory.Ìý
This reduced fee policy should be read in conjunction with the terms and conditions of the product or service that you are purchasing and Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ policies.Ìý
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ’s policies are subject to review and can be amended at any time. It is important that you regularly review these documents.
24 May 2024