On average, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) pays significant amounts for a child compared to cases where the deceased adult had no financial dependents, like someone who lived alone or had no children to support.
The payout amounts for the death of a child can range between R250,000 and over R1.5 million, depending on several critical factors.
However, there are 7 important factors that determine the exact RAF payout amount for the death of a child, such as the age of the child, dependency of the guardian, income of the deceased parent (if applicable), funeral expenses, the accident circumstances, legal representation, and supporting documents submitted.
On this page, we discuss exactly how much RAF pays for the death of a child due to a car accident on South African roads. The figures used here are drawn from real case payouts recorded over the years, specifically involving minors.
Let’s be honest — there is no amount under the sun that can truly compensate for the loss of a child. It’s like losing a future that never got to arrive. Some would say it’s like the heart losing its beat. But that being said, the payout from RAF can offer some form of financial relief for guardians or parents trying to rebuild a life after such a loss.
Factors that Determine the RAF Pay for the Death of a Child
As mentioned above, RAF payout amounts are not fixed. They depend on the situation. Below are the 7 main factors used to determine the final amount paid out:
1. Dependency Status of the Guardian
If the child was financially supporting a parent or grandparent, or there was reasonable expectation of future support, the guardian can claim for loss of support. In most child-related RAF claims, guardians claim on behalf of the deceased’s dependents.
2. Funeral Costs
RAF covers reasonable funeral expenses, with payouts usually around R15,380, based on the 2023/24 financial stats. The amount can go slightly higher if supported with invoices or proof of extended burial costs.
3. Loss of Support Calculations
This is the most significant component. RAF uses actuarial calculations to determine what the child would have earned in future, had they lived. These figures vary, but they can exceed R1 million, especially if the child came from a household with high potential or stable income.
4. Circumstances of the Accident
If the child was killed in an accident caused by a clearly negligent driver (e.g., drunk driving, speeding), this increases the strength of the case. A clear fault means a stronger payout is likely.
5. Legal Representation
Many parents miss out on higher payouts simply because they didn’t get proper legal help. Attorneys who specialise in RAF matters are able to negotiate much higher figures, especially when preparing loss of support arguments.
6. Medical and Emotional Support Costs
Sometimes, claims also include grief counselling or trauma therapy for surviving siblings or guardians. While not huge, these extra amounts can be added to the final claim.
7. Documentation and Evidence
Like every legal matter, proof is everything. Accurate death certificates, police reports, proof of funeral costs, school records, and affidavits from dependents can make or break a claim.
What the RAF Paid Out in 2023/2024
Just to give you context on how big RAF payouts can be:
- Total Claims Paid: R45.1 billion
- Average Claim: R287,000 (a 9.54% increase from previous year)
- Loss of Support (which applies to most child death cases): R632,671 average
- Funeral Costs: R15,380 per case
- Medical: R29,700
- General Damages: R565,055
- Loss of Earnings: R1,110,815
These numbers paint the picture. When it comes to child-related deaths, the claim amount usually includes funeral, loss of support, and sometimes general damages too.
Conclusion
It is worth noting that no amount will ever balance the pain, the silence, or the empty chair at the table. But in the middle of that heartbreak, the payout can help soften the financial blow, especially when the household depended on that child’s future.
That’s why guardians and parents must stop hoping for fair treatment and start preparing for it. Get your documents in order. Get your legal team in place. Because with RAF, you do not get what you deserve, but you get what you can prove.