Widow wins R7.6 million pension battle against stepsons

IN A decision which once again confirms the rights of pension funds to prioritise the financial needs of dependents over inheritance claims, the Financial Services Tribunal ruled in favour of a widow being the beneficiary of her late husband’s R7.6 million pension. The widow, only identified as Mrs G, faced the wrath of her two stepsons after they had lost out on receiving a portion of their late father’s pension.

- ZELDA VENTER

They turned to the tribunal and asked it to reconsider the Pension Fund Adjudicator's determination to uphold the allocation of a death benefit by the Old Mutual Superfund to their stepmother.

The deceased was a member of the fund from October 4, 1991, until his passing in February 2021. Following his death, a benefit of R7.6 million became due and payable to his beneficiaries.