The RAF Dependants Fund was created in 1967 between the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. The scheme provides the dependents of RAF personnel, including widows, widowers, dependent children, or other nominated beneficiaries, with an immediate payment of up to £17,500 should the subscriber die.
This payment is tax free and does not form part of the estate of the deceased.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Any member of the Regular RAF and RAF Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) are eligible to subscribe by paying just 50p per month through their JPA payroll. RAF Reserves not paid monthly by payroll just need to complete a £6.00 standing order form (available from your Sqn admin office).
How quickly will my family receive payment should I die?
The payment is made as soon as possible after notification of the death via the Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre (JCCC) – normally within 48 hours but earlier if all the required information is available. The timescale is the same whether killed on or off duty for Regular RAF personnel.
Arrangements for reporting of death for Reservists on active service is the same as for Regulars. The death reporting process for those not on active service will be more protracted and this may cause delays beyond the 48 hours.
Essentially, if a RAF Reserve subscriber to the RAF Dependants Fund dies, a family member should inform the Reserve authorities as soon as possible so that follow-on action can be taken to ensure an early payment of the grant.
How do I apply to the scheme?
You just complete the form at this link and send it in (hard copy please) to Andy Cairns at the RAF Benevolent Fund (the address is on the form). It's as easy as that!
If you have any questions, please contact the RAF Dependants Fund Manager (Andy Cairns) at RAF Brize Norton – 95461 ext 6608 or 01993 896608 or by email at [email protected].