RAF Loss of Support & Funeral Claims for Spouses, Children & Dependants
General public information on Road Accident Fund (RAF) loss of support and funeral expense claims for spouses, children, and dependants after a fatal road accident in South Africa.
- When a family breadwinner or financial provider passes away as a result of a motor vehicle accident caused by negligent driving in South Africa, surviving dependants (such as a spouse, customary partner, minor children, or dependent parents) may be able to claim from the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
- Dependant claims generally involve two main categories: a claim for past and future loss of financial support (which requires an independent actuarial calculation based on the deceased's income and family dependency) and reasonable statutory funeral and burial expenses.
- Different statutory time limits can apply to minor children under 18 compared to adult dependants, meaning it is often worth checking with a qualified attorney even if some time has passed since the accident.
- Useful documents to gather include the death certificate, marriage certificate or proof of customary union, children's unabridged birth certificates, the police accident report, and proof of the deceased's earnings or financial contributions.
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.
Important Legal Notice, Terms of Use & POPIA Privacy Notice
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.
2. No Attorney-Client Relationship & No Interruption of Prescription: Using this website or submitting a callback request does not create an attorney-client relationship, does not lodge a claim with the Road Accident Fund (RAF) or any organ of state, and does not interrupt statutory prescription or notice time limits. Only a qualified attorney who has formally accepted your mandate in writing can advise on your specific deadlines and lodge a claim on your behalf.
3. Limitation of Liability: While care is taken to keep general statutory information accurate, every case turns on its own facts and legal exceptions. To the maximum extent permitted by South African law, Ubulungisa and its operator accept no liability for any loss, damage, or expired time limit arising from reliance on general information on this website.
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