British Friendly has introduced a new claims initiative called recovery support benefit.
Designed to help with the transition back to work after a period of illness or injury, British Friendly will pay members a cash lump sum equal to four weeks of income protection payment when an insured member returns to work following a claim.
There will be no additional cost and it will form part of its discretionary mutual benefits programme.
To qualify for the recovery support benefit, members will have been receiving income protection payments for a continuous period of 26 weeks and would have been back at work for four weeks.
Andy Parker, claims and underwriting director at British Friendly, said: "Recovery support benefit provides claimants with greater financial support at the end of claim.
"Going back to work after an extended period of time off can be tough, emotionally and physically but most certainly financially.
"Changing from receiving weekly benefit payments to fitting back in to a normal pay/income cycle can make the return to work feel even more daunting. This is particularly so for the self-employed and those working in the gig economy.
"With this benefit we are helping to lessen the financial strain with a cash lump sum to alleviate short-term worry of paying bills on time, travel costs or even childcare while the family finances settle back into a routine."
Tom Conner, director at advice firm Drewberry, said: "This is another example of British Friendly leading the way with innovative and practical support that helps alleviate the financial struggles people face when they experience a period away from work.
"By putting themselves in their members’ shoes, they are able to provide the right support at the right time, whether that be at the start of a claim or at the end."
emma.hughes@ft.com