Does GEPF Pay For Funeral Expenses?

Does GEPF Pay For Funeral Expenses?

YES, GEPF pays for funeral expenses for deceased members’ families. The funeral benefit is designed to assist in covering the costs associated with a funeral when a member or pensioner passes away. This benefit is also applicable in the event of the death of a spouse, life partner, or eligible child of the member or pensioner.

The GEPF will contribute to funeral costs by providing funeral benefits, and if the pensioner dies within five years of retirement or discharge, the GEPF will pay the remaining balance of the retirement or discharge annuities to the beneficiaries, additionally, if the pensioner leaves behind a spouse, life partner, or orphaned children, they will qualify for monthly pension benefits, as detailed under the Spouse’s annuity and Orphan’s annuity sections.

This benefit provides R15,000 to cover the funeral expenses of a deceased pensioner. The same amount is available for the funeral of a pensioner’s spouse or life partner. For an eligible child’s funeral, the benefit is R6,000. Whenever possible, GEPF aims to process and pay this benefit within 72 hours of receiving the application. The payment is made as a cash lump sum and is subject to taxation.

How Much Does GEPF Pay for Funeral Expenses?

GEPF pays a taxable cash lump sum amount of R20 000 towards the funeral costs for a member, pensioner, or spouse and pays a taxable cash lump sum amount of R8 000 towards the funeral costs of an eligible child of a member or pensioner.

Who Qualifies For Funeral Expenses?

The GEPF provides funeral benefits for members, pensioners, their spouses, and eligible children.

Member and Pensioner

• Member: Currently contributing to GEPF or absent/suspended but contributing before that. Those in other pension funds don’t qualify.
• Pensioner: Receives a monthly payment from GEPF. Retirees without a monthly payment are not eligible.

Spouse

A spouse can be:

• Legally married
• Recognized by Indigenous or religious customs (with required documentation)
• An approved life partner (must have GEPF approval)

Eligible Child

Includes:

• Natural or adopted child under 18
• Full-time student aged 18-22 (proof needed)
• Disabled child dependent on the member or pensioner (medical proof required)
• Stillborn child (documentation needed)

Note: Stepchildren or children cared for must be legally adopted to qualify.

Required Documents To Claim Funeral Benefit

To process and pay the funeral benefit, the GEPF requires the following documents:

• A completed Z300 form (Funeral Benefit Claim Form).
• An original certified copy of the death certificate from the Department of Home Affairs.
• For stillborn children, written confirmation of the pregnancy duration and the death certificate from the attending physician.
• An original certified copy of the deceased’s bar-coded ID, passport, or birth certificate (for minors).
• An original certified copy of the applicant’s bar-coded ID or passport.
• A Z894 form with the bank details for payment.
• If claiming by fax, the Z894 must include a certified bank statement with the bank’s email and landline contact details.
• For Post Office payments, provide details of the online Post Office on the Z300 form and ensure original documents are submitted at the Post Office.

Additional Documents (if applicable):

• If the spouse is deceased or the applicant: a certified marriage certificate or proof of marriage.
• If the deceased or applicant is an adopted child: a certified copy of the adoption order.
• If the benefit is payable to the estate: a certified letter of executorship and Z894 for the estate’s banking details.
• If the deceased is a full-time student (18-22 years): certified proof of enrollment from an educational institution.
• If the deceased is a disabled child dependent: certified medical proof of disability and dependency.
• If the applicant’s surname differs from the member/pensioner: an affidavit explaining the relationship.
• If the deceased is a life partner: GEPF approval is needed, along with a completed Life Partner Application form.

How Is The GEPF Funeral Benefit Paid?

The funeral benefit can be paid either into a bank account or through an online Post Office. Provide the following;

For Bank Payments:

• Complete the Z894 (Banking Particulars Form) with the applicant’s bank details.
• If faxing the application, include a certified bank statement with the bank’s email and phone contact information.

For Post Office Payments:

• Confirm with the Postmaster that the chosen Post Office is an online Post Office and include those details on the Z300 form.
• Submit the original application and attachments at the Post Office. Original ID or passport documents of the applicant are also required.

Important Points to Remember:

• Faxed Applications: Fax applications to GEPF at 012 319 3655 for funeral claims only. Ensure the fax quality is good; otherwise, GEPF will notify you if it cannot be processed.
• Checklist: Attach a completed checklist with the Z300 form to ensure all required documents are included and certified. Mark each page with the member’s pension number and label it “Funeral Benefit Claim.”
• Contact Details: Provide accurate landline and email contact details for the bank. Confirm these details with your bank to avoid delays. Ensure GEPF has your secure cell phone and email for updates.
•  Life Partner Applications: Life partner claims must be approved before processing. If urgent, an eligible applicant other than the life partner should submit the claim.

Contact GEPF

• Toll-free number: 0800 117 669
• Fax: 012 326 2507
• Email: enquiries@gepf.co.za

Postal Address: GEPF

• Private Bag X63,
• Pretoria,
• 0001

For more information visit the official website of the Government Employees Pension Fund. I hope the provided information is helpful, share your thoughts below in the comment section.