Can I use the website to pay my renewal fee?

Yes, the good news is that we are now able to accept Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card payments via the website. We are using a new interface called Stripe to do so.

Why can’t I just set up a Direct Debit?

At the present time, we cannot collect membership fees by direct debit. 

Why am I asked to renew early when the renewal date is 31 July?

Our membership year runs from 01 August to 31 July.  A renewal window of several weeks helps spread the workload and thus the burden on the Membership Secretary.  We send out reminders before and on the renewal date if the renewal fee hasn’t been paid. Although we allow a grace period of 2 weeks (to 14 August), we ask you to make sure you have renewed your membership by 31 July unless there are extenuating circumstances. 

Will I receive an acknowledgment of payment?

If you use email, your confirmation of renewal will be sent automatically to your email address.  If you share an email address with your partner, we sometimes have to send one confirmation of payment as an attachment.  This depends upon which email provider you use.  If you don’t use email, we will post your confirmation of payment as long as you provide us with a stamped addressed envelope. 

What should I do if I don’t receive written confirmation of renewal?

If you don’t receive confirmation of renewal within 14 days of paying the renewal fee, please contact the Membership Secretary (membership@ilkleyu3a.org) stating when and how you paid. 

Where can I find my membership number?

Your membership number can be found in your member profile.  After logging into the website, click on your name and scroll down the page.  You will see your User ID after your phone number.  Your User ID is your membership number.  We will never ask you for it at any of our events but you may need it to take part in activities provided by other WestNet U3As. 

Some of my details have changed – how can I update them?

If any of your personal information has changed  you can do this by logging into the website and clicking on your name at the top of the page.  Click on ‘Edit profile’ and then you can edit all the fields shown in the white boxes including your mailing preferences.  If you belong to any groups, please remember to inform the Group Leader of any relevant changes to your name or contact details.

If you don’t like the idea of updating your own profile, please notify the Membership Secretary of any changes to your personal information. 

What happens if I forget to renew?

If a renewal fee has not been received 2 weeks after the due date (31^st July), your membership status will change to ‘lapsed’.  You will receive an email telling you this has happened.  You will not be eligible to take part in activities until your renewal fee has been paid.  Your membership records will be archived for 12 months and subsequently deleted if no fee has been received. Leaders generally remind members of their group at the start of the autumn session to renew their u3a membership if they haven't already done so.

Why is it beneficial to u3a to sign a Gift Aid form? 

If you are a UK taxpayer, we can claim Gift Aid at the rate of 25p for every £1 on your membership subscription.  There is no cost to you.  This helps us keep the membership fee as low as possible. 

Am I eligible to sign a Gift Aid declaration? 

You can sign a Gift Aid declaration as long as you pay income tax and/or capital gains tax in the UK.  In any tax year, your membership fee will qualify for Gift Aid as long as your total donations to all charities do not exceed what you have paid in tax. Non-taxpayers should not sign a Gift Aid Declaration.  If you have signed a Gift Aid Declaration and subsequently find that you don't pay sufficient tax, please notify the Membership Secretary.  

Do both partners at the same address sign Gift Aid?

For two people living at the same address, both of whom are taxpayers, HMRC requires that we obtain separate Gift Aid Declarations from each of you.

By email to membership@ilkleyu3a.org