When a retirement fund member dies before reaching normal retirement age, the distribution of their death benefit requires a careful and structured assessment. Section 37C of the Pension Funds Act provides the framework for determining how these benefits should be allocated.
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased member are considered during the allocation process. Importantly, dependency is not limited to situations where the deceased had a legal obligation to provide financial support. Individuals who relied on the member in practice may also require consideration.
For retirement funds, identifying and assessing potential dependants can be a complex process. Accurate information is essential to support fair and informed decisions.
At Uphando Forensic & HR Services, we assist funds by conducting investigations that contribute to the assessment of death benefit claims. Our services include tracing dependants, beneficiaries and nominees who may need to be identified during the process. We also investigate whether a person was legally or factually dependent on the deceased and assess the level of that dependency.
These investigations help establish a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding each claim. By providing reliable information and detailed assessments, Uphando supports retirement funds in fulfilling their responsibilities while ensuring that relevant dependants are properly considered.