RAF Dependants Fund increases support to bereaved families

The RAF Dependants Fund, which is run by the RAF Benevolent Fund, has increased the maximum payment that can be made to bereaved families following the death of RAF Personnel who were members of the scheme. The maximum amount has increased by £2,500 to up to £20,000.

The RAF Dependants Fund grant is payable to the family of subscribers in the event of his or her death. 

The grant is a single tax-free payment to support the immediate needs of widows, widowers, dependent 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 about the ability to meet immediate payments.

Air Commodore Paul Hughesdon, Director of Welfare at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "Here at the RAF Benevolent Fund, our vision is that no member of the RAF Family will ever face adversity alone. It is difficult to think of a more challenging time than losing a loved one who is serving and so, for subscribers, I am pleased that we can provide an additional layer of support to their families, when they are faced with the heart-breaking, unexpected loss of a loved one.

"The Dependants Fund is open to all regular and reserve personnel and allows the RAF Benevolent Fund to reach out to families in their darkest hour with additional practical support and provide 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 hasn’t increased for many years. All RAF personnel are strongly encouraged to consider if membership of the “Dep Fund” would be helpful to their families if the very worst were to happen to them. 

Further information on how to subscribe can be found here