Q. Can I continue my membership of CAOGA after I retire?

A. YES. Officers retiring from the Defence Forces with at least 12 years service may continue their membership of CAOGA. On retirement eligible officers are contacted by our office to offer them this option.


Q. Can my spouse continue his/her membership as well?

A. YES. Spouse membership can be retained under the same conditions as ordinary membership. (N.B. Have you and your spouse, if applicable, registered in CAOGA and in the Group Scheme?)


Q. When will my membership cease?

A. The upper age limit of both members and spouse members is 75 years of age.


Q. Are the CAOGA subscriptions and death benefit payments the same for serving and retained members?

A. YES. Please consult the benefits page for details of the current death benefits. Your age is the determining factor.


Q. Are there any benefits which are confined to serving members?

A. YES. There are three such benefits, namely;

• RELIEF OF ILLNESS. This is designed to assist officers who are placed on reduced pay due to prolonged illness.
• COMPULSORY RETIREMENT DUE TO ILLNESS. This is to assist officers who are forced to retire due to illness.
• BENEVOLENT FUND. This fund was set up to assist serving members as they are precluded from benefiting from the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund which is for retired personnel only.

Q. Are my CAOGA subscriptions refunded when I leave the society?

A. YES. Your CAOGA subscriptions, less your contributions to the Benevolent Fund, are refunded in full when you resign or retire from the association.


Q. Do my subscriptions earn any interest?

A. YES. In addition to your subscriptions an annual bonus and a terminal bonus are added.

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Q. Who gets my CAOGA benefit?

A. The person or persons you nominate on a valid nomination form.


Q. What would render a nomination form invalid?

A. Marriage invalidates a nomination form. A new nomination form is required in this instance. (N.B. Ensure you contact our office when you are getting married.)


Q. What happens to my CAOGA benefit in the absence of a valid nomination form?

A. The benefit becomes part of your estate. (N.B. When did you last review you will? Have you even made a will, does it reflect your personal circumstances of today?)


Q. What is the purpose of the Group Assurance Scheme?

A. The Group Assurance Scheme is a significant top up of your CAOGA benefit which is restricted in the amount it can pay under the Friendly Societies Act. It forms the basis of a member's plans for the long term financial security of his/her family in the event of the death of either spouse.


Q. Will my Group Assurance Scheme subscriptions be returned to me when I cease membership?

A. No unfortunately. The subscriptions to this scheme, which is currently operated by Irish Life, are non-refundable.


Q. Can the Group Assurance Scheme be used to provide protection for a mortgage or as security for a loan?

A. No unfortunately. The terms under which the Group Assurance Scheme operates at present precludes it from being used for this purpose.


Q. Do I need any additional life cover other than the schemes operated by CAOGA?

A. The CAOGA schemes, together with a Mortgage Protection Policy and your statutory entitlements, provide the framework of your plans in this area. Any additional cover that you might require is a matter that you need to consider in the light of your own and your family's personal circumstances and needs.


Q. How long am I covered for by the Group Assurance Scheme and is there an age loading on premiums?

A. Cover is up to age 75. Unlike individual life assurance schemes there is no age loading up to the age of 67. Between 67 and 75 there is a drop in the level of cover and premium provided for. The level of cover provided remains competitive for this age group. Again you should consult the Benefits Page for the current level of death benefits.

Note: The above FAQ's have been amended to reflect the review of the group schemes which come into effect from 01 Sep 2008.

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