Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

This is a new section begun July 08. More FAQ will be added soon.

Q. Can BAFF help someone who is not already a member?

A. Unlike most insurance policies, "pre-existing conditions" are not usually excluded - but you do need to join.

As a non-member, you wouldn't expect a motoring organisation to attend your breakdown on the off-chance that you might join later.

The Federation supports Forces personnel generally but as a membership-based organisation, it must restrict specific services to its own subscribing members. This includes replying to individual requests for advice or information. Either join or if you are not serving but want to make a minor one-off enquiry, please consider making a small voluntary donation to help our work.

BAFF does reserve the right - exceptionally - not to get involved in pre-existing problems. This might happen if there are major cost or policy difficulties. So:

BAFF Guarantee

If a new member seeks help with an appropriate but pre-existing problem within one week of joining but BAFF or its lawyers decline to take it on, BAFF will on request refund that member's subscription in full.

Can BAFF undertake individual casework on behalf of members?

Not usually. BAFF always said it will not seek to supplant the role of any existing charity or other agency involved in service welfare.  BAFF itself is not a charity. Members are encouraged to raise individual enquiries but the aim would be to provide a helpful answer quickly, or where appropriate refer to professional advisers, without a formal casework relationship.

Q. Is it legal for the BAFF poster to be displayed in barracks?

The poster is not "political", and is as legal on MOD sites as promotional material for (say) The Royal British Legion, kit or health insurance companies, or charities such as Help for Heroes. It has already appeared within barracks and bases without any problems. As with any promotional material, local arrangements should be observed, and permission obtained before displaying the poster on any official noticeboard or mess noticeboard, etc. Local community or sports facilities, HIVEs, shops and other commercial facilities can also be appropriate locations for the poster, as long as any security issues are taken into account. Commonsense applies.