Submitting a claim to the Road Accident Fund (RAF) requires detailed documentation, and incomplete submissions remain one of the leading causes of delays and rejected claims in South Africa. The checklist applies to anyone injured in a road accident, families claiming for deceased victims, and dependants seeking loss of support compensation. With strict time limits in place and hard-copy submission rules still enforced, claimants in Gauteng must ensure every required form and supporting document is included before lodging a RAF claim.
According to the Road Accident Fund’s published claims procedures for 2025 and 2026, missing statutory forms, incomplete medical reports, or absent proof of income can result in claims being returned at the pre-assessment stage.
Here is what you need before submitting your RAF claim.
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Mandatory Statutory Forms
The RAF requires specific, prescribed forms for every claim. Without these, the claim is invalid.
The core forms include:
- RAF 1 Form: The Third Party Claim Form. This is compulsory for all claims arising after 1 August 2008.
- RAF 3 Form: The Accident Report Form, detailing the collision and parties involved.
- RAF 4 Form: The Serious Injury Assessment Report, required if claiming general damages for pain and suffering.
The RAF 4 must be completed by a medical practitioner to confirm that the injuries meet the threshold for “serious injury” under the Act.
If general damages are claimed without a properly completed RAF 4 form, the claim will not proceed.
Personal Documentation (Certified Copies)
Certified identification documents are required to verify the claimant’s identity and legal standing.
For injury claims, include:
- Certified copy of the claimant’s ID document or passport
- Driver’s licence, if applicable
- Personal affidavit detailing the accident while events are fresh in memory
For minors:
- Unabridged birth certificate
- Court order or Master’s letter if a legal guardian or curator is appointed
For deceased victims:
- Death certificate
- Marriage certificate if the spouse is claiming
- Unabridged birth certificates of dependants
Failure to include certified copies can result in the RAF returning the claim for correction.
Accident Information and Evidence
Claims must be supported by official accident documentation.
Required evidence includes:
- Official Accident Report (OAR) from SAPS
- Police case number and station details
- Sketch plan of the accident scene
- Photographs of vehicle damage and injuries
- Witness names and contact details
- Registration details of all vehicles involved
The RAF determines liability and the degree of fault partly based on the accident report and supporting statements.
Medical Records and Proof of Expenses
Medical documentation substantiates the injury and treatment received.
Claimants must submit:
- Hospital and treatment records
- Statutory medical report completed by the treating doctor
- Itemised tax invoices from medical providers
- Proof of payment or proof of liability for expenses
If medical costs are claimed without itemised invoices, those portions may be excluded from compensation calculations.
Proof of Income for Loss of Earnings Claims
If you are claiming for loss of income or future earnings, financial documentation is mandatory.
This includes:
- Recent payslips before and after the accident
- Employer’s certificate confirming employment and salary
- SARS tax records
- Three months of bank statements
Self-employed individuals must provide additional proof of income, including bank statements and tax documentation.
The RAF requires confirmation of remuneration and employment details to calculate compensation.
Additional Documents for Death Claims
When the victim has died, additional documentation applies.
Families must submit:
- Post-mortem report or inquest documentation
- Proof of relationship to the deceased
- Funeral expense invoices and proof of payment
- Dependency affidavit for loss of support claims
- Employer’s certificate confirming the deceased’s income
Loss of support claims require evidence that the deceased was financially supporting the claimant.
Important Time Limits (Prescription Periods)
The RAF enforces strict prescription deadlines.
- Claims involving identifiable drivers must be lodged within three years of the accident.
- Hit-and-run claims must be lodged within two years.
If a claim is not lodged within the prescribed time, it is deemed invalid and cannot proceed.
These deadlines are particularly relevant in Gauteng, where accident volumes remain among the highest nationally.
Hard Copy Submission Rule
The RAF requires claims to be submitted in hard copy.
- Documents must be delivered in person or via registered mail.
- Emailed submissions are not accepted.
- Originals must follow faxed documents.
If a claim is incomplete at submission, it may be returned at the pre-assessment stage.
Claimants are advised to keep copies of every document submitted.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Gauteng has one of the highest motor vehicle accident rates in South Africa due to its dense traffic network, including major highways such as the N1, N3, and N12.
For residents in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni, and surrounding areas:
- Missing documents can delay medical reimbursements
- Loss of income claims may stall without employer confirmation
- Funeral expense claims may be rejected without proper invoices
- Prescription deadlines can permanently extinguish claims
Given the administrative backlog often reported at RAF offices, complete submissions reduce processing delays and minimise the risk of objections.
The burden of proof remains on the claimant.
Common Reasons Claims Are Rejected or Delayed
Claims are commonly returned because of:
- Missing RAF 4 for general damages
- Uncertified copies of identification documents
- Incomplete accident reports
- Missing proof of income
- No proof of medical expense payment
- Submission after prescription deadline
The RAF will object to the validity of a claim if statutory requirements are not met.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I submit my RAF claim by email?
No. The RAF requires a hard-copy submission either in person or via registered mail.
2. Is RAF 4 compulsory for all claims?
No. It is mandatory only if you are claiming general damages for serious injuries.
3. What happens if I miss the three-year deadline?
The claim prescribes and cannot legally proceed.
4. Can I claim for funeral expenses?
Yes, but you must provide specified tax invoices and proof of payment.
5. Do I need an attorney to submit a claim?
It is not mandatory, but legal representation is permitted through a power of attorney.
What Happens After Submission?
Once submitted, the RAF assesses:
- Whether the claim complies with statutory requirements
- The degree of negligence or fault
- The quantum of damages
If documentation is incomplete, the claim may be returned for correction.
Claimants can verify submission status through the RAF Contact Centre.
As accident-related claims continue across Gauteng’s busy road network, ensuring documentation is complete before submission remains critical to avoiding administrative delays.
Status Check will continue monitoring updates affecting compensation claims and procedural changes within the Road Accident Fund.
