Widow succeeds in battle with stepsons over late husband's R7.6m pension

IN A decision that 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.

- ZELDA VENTER

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.

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.