Originally Posted by
WineCountryUA
The benefit is intended for the elite only and you may only receive the benefit once every five years.
That said, it does not appear that there is a way for United to determine easily whether the payment you applied (or the credit you receive through TravelBank) was based on your (the elite's) application or that of someone else.
You of course won't be able to use the credit for 5 more years, so not for your renewal (although the T&C also says new applications only).