Bereaved RAF families to receive increased support

Payments made to families on the death of RAF personnel, who were members of the RAF Dependants Fund, have been increased by £2,500 to up to £17,500.

The RAF Dependants Fund grant is payable to the family of subscribers in the event of his or her death. As the scheme's administrators, the RAF Benevolent Fund increased the amount paid out from £15,000 to up to £17,500 on 12 June 2018. The grant is a single tax-free payment to support the immediate needs of widows, widowers, dependant children or other nominated beneficiaries. The Fund provides the payment for all serving personnel who subscribe, regardless of the circumstances of their death, whether on or off duty; payment is usually made within 48 working hours, thus alleviating considerable concern.

Air Commodore Paul Hughesdon, Director of Welfare and Policy at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "It is the RAF Benevolent Fund's vision that no member of the RAF Family will ever face adversity alone, never more so than when faced with the heart-breaking unexpected loss of a loved one.

"The Dependants Fund allows the RAF Benevolent Fund to reach out to families in their darkest hour with the reassurance that we are there for them. This is in addition to the support that the Fund can and does provide to all members of the RAF."

The RAF Dependants Fund was created in 1967 by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the RAF's leading welfare charity. All Regular and RAF Reserve personnel are eligible to subscribe. The monthly cost is 50p per month, a sum that has not increased for many years.