How Loss of Support Is Calculated When a Family Breadwinner Dies
General educational guide on how actuaries calculate loss of financial support for surviving spouses, children, and parents after a fatal accident in South Africa.
- When a breadwinner dies due to a negligent road accident (RAF), hospital error, train crash (PRASA), or unlawful shooting, surviving dependants who had a legally recognised right to support may claim their past and future loss of financial support.
- In South African actuarial practice, the deceased's net after-tax income is allocated into family shares (traditionally two shares per adult/parent and one share per dependant child) from the date of death until each child reaches self-sufficiency and over the surviving spouse's joint life expectancy.
- Even where the deceased worked in the informal sector, drove a taxi, or supported parents through cash/eWallet remittances, bank statements and affidavits can be used by an attorney and actuary to quantify the claim.
Related Public Information Guides:
This is general information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its facts.
Who can claim from the Road Accident Fund?
Anyone injured in a road accident caused by a motor vehicle in South Africa, including passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. Family members who depended on someone killed in an accident may also claim.
How long do I have to claim from the RAF?
Generally 3 years from the date of the accident, or 2 years if the vehicle and driver weren't identified. Different rules can apply to children.
What counts as medical negligence?
When a doctor, nurse, clinic or hospital provides care below the expected standard and it causes harm, for example a mistake during surgery or birth, or a missed diagnosis.
Does it cost anything to use Ubulungisa?
No. The checker is free, and speaking to the attorney is free. Many claim attorneys work on a contingency basis, which they must explain to you in writing before you sign anything.
Will my information be shared?
Only if you ask to be contacted and give your consent. Then it goes to one independent attorney firm, and nobody else.
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1. General Public Information Only (Not Legal or Actuarial Advice): Ubulungisa is an independent public information and referral platform operated by Jonny Marcus (ubulungisa.za@gmail.com). Ubulungisa is not a law firm, legal practitioner, or actuarial practice, and does not provide legal or actuarial advice under the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014. All content and questionnaire outputs are general educational information based on publicly available South African statutes.
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