An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 35 www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 39 CAOGA Group Life Assurance Membership is of fundamental importance to Defence Forces' Officers. Comdt Pauline O'Connell the Secretary/Treasurer of CAOGA points out the ever increasing relevance of our Life Assurance Schemes to members needs today. In 2013 in America, for the first time Life Insurance was sold from Internet Kiosks to cater for the needs of the time poor "sandwich generation", with the emphasis on blended products catering for premiums for both excellent health and poor health customers, with modest death benefits. Recent feedback would indicate that kiosk selling has not been suc- cessful and that unlike most industries, online sales of life insurance haven't taken off because competitive rates depend on the applicant's health and require a review of medical records and a blood sample. The traditional approach works best and requires a level of engagement with the needs of members and commitment to a service catering for both young and old to which CAOGA is steadfastly committed. CAOGA was originally set up some 67 years ago by Captains Bill O'Carroll and Jerome Counihan, after seeing the plight of the widow of an officer in Cathal Brugha Bks, forced to raise a family on a pension that was quarter of her husband's salary. Their aim was to ensure that officers have the means to look after their families in the event of their untimely deaths. Officers of the Defence Forces now join COAGA in Cadet School and become members of two Life Insurance Plans, the CAOGA Friendly Society Plan managed by the CAOGA Committee and the Group Life Insurance Plan, provided by Friends First. CAOGA's primary goal is to provide members with the means to protect the long-term security of their family in the event of the death of a key family member. Over the past three years CAOGA has paid out almost five million euro to the families of 21 deceased CAOGA Mem- bers, both serving and retired. The Friendly Society Act caters for the immediate needs of the family following bereavement, by the payment of a ben- efit of approximately €20,000 on foot of a valid Nomination Form, which has a legal status equivalent to that of a will. Our Friendly Society pays, (in the event of the death of a policy holder) a nominated beneficiary €10,000 which is deliv- ered by our Liaison Officer within 48hrs, once the death certificate and nomination form are complete. Another €10,000 is provided following a CAOGA Committee meeting within the following month. Recent feedback from members would indicate huge satisfaction with the early receipt of this money to cater for funeral expenses. On a purely emotional level many bereaved spouses and dependents express appreciation at being members of an organization, which is proactive and engaged in catering for their needs at the most challenging and vulnerable time of their lives. For queries or concerns or if your are considering joining CAOGA, please contact Comdt Manus Ward who has now assumed the role of Secretary/ Treasurer at 01-8042785/2786 or Ms Judy Farrell, CAOGA Administrative Officer at 01-8042785/2786, or visit: www.caoga.net or e mail info@caoga.net The office has recently relocated to McKee Bks, Dublin and you can call in and check your personal records at any time. IN THE DIGITAL AGE, SOME FUNDAMENTALS NEVER CHANGE This article is continued in full in our online edition - www.dfmagazine.ie/ Pensions Protection Investments and a wide countries, great

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