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Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Can my father's new wife inherit from my mother's deceased estate?

It depends whether there is a clause in your mother's will that precludes inheritance being part of the beneficiary's joint estate.

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What happens if I get fired after 1 September 2024 when the new retirement laws come into effect?

You will still be able to withdraw any funds saved in your vested pot before 1 September 2024.

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What should I do if my late parent's attorney lost their will and title deed, and we can't get hold of them?

You should be able to get copies from the Master's Office where the death was registered.

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Can I claim from the Road Accident Fund if the accident happened in 2019?

No. You have to lodge your claim with the RAF within three years if you know the driver, or two years if it was a hit-and-run.

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Will I lose my provident fund if I move to a different country?

No, as of 1 September 2024, you can withdraw any funds saved before that date if you lose your job or resign.

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What can I do if my UIF maternity benefits still haven't been paid over a year since I applied?

You should lay a complaint with the UIF. If they don't help, you can escalate your complaint to the call centre at 0800 030 007.

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How does medical boarding work?

It depends on the company's pension or provident fund rules, but usually they leave it to the insurance company to decide whether you qualify. If you do, you will be paid a monthly stipend.

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Can a school hand over my unpaid fees account to debt collectors without warning me?

The school should contact you and give you three months to settle the account. But they do not need to tell you if they intend to hand over the account to debt collectors.

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Do I need to transfer a deceased person's estate to my name in order to pay off its debt?

No, the debt must first be paid from the deceased estate before the title deed can be transferred.

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How should I set up annual leave for my elderly mother's caregiver, as they will be needed more as her condition deteriorates?

Given the legal requirements surrounding annual leave, it may be simpler to employ more than one carer.

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