Fraternal Benefits

What is a fraternal benefit society?

When an individual becomes a member of the Association, they are eligible for insurance and fraternal benefits. Fraternals are not-for-profit charitable and benevolent institutions that have a rich tradition of service to individuals, communities and the nation. The Association is owned and governed by its members. All fraternal insurance companies are chartered and licensed in accordance with state insurance laws, and are examined by state insurance departments.

You are admitted to a lodge following a ritual. On the local lodge level, members can become active with monthly meetings, picnics, patriotic presentations and community service projects. In 2005, wfla members volunteered 124,957 hours in their communities and donated $189,924 of financial aid to community organizations and those in need. Our members are a major force in their communities' volunteer and charitable programs. Instead of one person acting alone, the lodge members ban together to help those in need, those less fortunate. Members assemble at various times throughout the year in a meeting format and at other times socially. Members who take the time to get to know one another and help each other become lifetime friends sharing each other’s triumphs and helping each other through tough times.

Whether you attend lodge meetings or not, there are potential scholarships, contests, and other benefits available to you. A list of some of the benefits is just a click away.

History

Western Fraternal Life Association was established in 1897 as a Czech fraternal benefit society, providing its members burial insurance, social and ethnic activities. In 1899, women were admitted as insured members and in 1919, juveniles became insurable.

In 1947, requirements for membership were opened to all people, regardless of ethnic background, supportive of the purpose of the Association. Lodges have been formed through the years around the country and members attend meetings and social gatherings and provide a network of volunteers for their communities. The products have also changed with the times. wfla has come a long way from that initial burial insurance and now offers a wide range of insurance and annuity products to meet the needs of a complex society.