How to Check Your RAF Claim Status

You can check the status of your Road Accident Fund (RAF) claim using three methods: the online portal at raf.co.za, a phone call to the RAF claims line, or an in-person visit to your nearest RAF regional office. The fastest and most convenient method is the online portal, which provides real-time updates. Processing typically takes 120 days for serious injury assessment and 6–24 months for full settlement, depending on the complexity of your case.

Method 1: Check Online via the RAF Portal (Fastest)

The RAF has launched a new online portal allowing claimants to track claims 24/7.

How to access:

Go to raf.co.za (official RAF website)
Click "Track Your Claim" or "Claim Status"
Enter your claim reference number (provided in the RAF's acknowledgement letter)
Enter your ID number (South African ID or passport)
Click "Search"

What you'll see:

Claim status: Received, Under Assessment, Awaiting Medical Report, Settlement Offered, etc.
Date received
Any outstanding information the RAF requires
Latest update date
Contact details for follow-up

Advantages:

Available 24/7
Instant results
No hold time
You can save or print the status

Tip: Bookmark the page and check every 30 days. Status updates are usually made within 5 business days of a change.

Troubleshooting: If you don't have your claim reference number, call the RAF (see Method 2) to request it. You will need it for online tracking.

Method 2: Call the RAF Claims Line (Direct)

If online access is not available or you prefer speaking to someone, call the RAF directly.

RAF National Call Centre:

Telephone: 012 429 5000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:30 (excluding public holidays)
Cost: Standard landline rates (not toll-free)

What to have ready:

Your claim reference number
Your ID number
Your full names
The accident date
The SAPS case number (CRN)

What the RAF representative can tell you:

Claim received date
Current status (Assessment, Awaiting Medical, Settlement Offered, etc.)
Any documents the RAF is still waiting for
Estimated next update
Contact person assigned to your claim (if applicable)

Tips for calling:

Call early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid long queues
Have all your information written down before calling
Ask for the representative's name and direct reference number for future calls
If unsatisfied with the response, ask to escalate to a supervisor

Regional offices: If you cannot reach the national line or prefer in-person service, the RAF has regional offices in major cities. Phone the national number for the address of your nearest office.

Method 3: Visit an RAF Regional Office In-Person

For face-to-face assistance, visit your nearest RAF office.

Major RAF offices:

Gauteng (Head Office): Road Accident Fund Department of Compensation Menlyn Corporate Park 3 Fricker Road Illovo, Johannesburg Tel: 012 429 5000

KwaZulu-Natal: Durban Regional Office Tel: 031 369 0500

Western Cape: Cape Town Regional Office Tel: 021 441 1900

Limpopo: Polokwane Regional Office Tel: 015 291 1131

Find your nearest office: Call the national line (012 429 5000) or visit raf.co.za for a complete list.

What to bring:

Your ID document
Your claim reference number (if you have it)
Any RAF correspondence
Your contact details

What to expect:

Average wait time: 30–90 minutes (office hours are usually busy)
A case officer will review your file
You can discuss your claim in detail
They may request additional documents on the spot

Advantages:

Direct conversation with a claims officer
Ability to submit documents immediately
Clarification of outstanding queries
Escalation to a supervisor if needed

Disadvantage:

Time-consuming (travel + waiting)
Limited office hours

Understanding RAF Processing Timelines

Your claim status depends on where you are in the process. Here are typical timeframes:

Claim Status	Typical Duration
Received & Acknowledged	30 days
Under Initial Assessment	30–60 days
Awaiting Serious Injury Assessment	60–120 days
Awaiting Medical Evidence	30–90 days (depends on your doctor)
Awaiting Claimant Response	Varies (you can delay this)
Settlement Offer Prepared	6–12 months from submission
Awaiting Settlement Acceptance	30 days (your decision time)
Payment Processing	30–180 days after acceptance
Total Uncontested Claim	6–24 months
Disputed/Litigation	2–5 years

Why the variation?

Serious injury cases (spinal injury, amputation, brain damage) require detailed medical assessment, lengthening the timeline.
Multiple claimants (e.g., family members from one accident) mean multiple assessments.
Liability disputes (RAF argues you were at fault) slow the process significantly.
Medical delays (your doctor takes time submitting the RAF 4 form) hold up everything.
Missing information (you fail to respond to RAF requests) can pause your claim indefinitely.

What to Do If Your Status Hasn't Changed

If your claim status has been stalled for 3+ months without explanation:

Call the RAF with your claim reference number and ask:
- "What documents are you waiting for?"
- "Is my case assigned to a specific claims officer?"
- "What is the expected completion date?"
Submit outstanding documents immediately. If the RAF is waiting for your medical report, medical bills, or proof of income, submit them within 7 days.
Request escalation. Ask to speak to a supervisor or claims manager if the standard representative cannot explain the delay.
Consider appointing an attorney. If the RAF is unresponsive or your claim is stalled, a personal injury attorney can apply pressure, negotiate, or prepare for litigation.
Check prescription deadline. Ensure you have not exceeded the 3-year prescription period. If you are approaching the limit and the RAF is unresponsive, you may need to file litigation to protect your claim.

Red Flags: When to Get Legal Help

Seek an attorney if:

Status stuck at "Under Assessment" for 6+ months — the RAF may be deciding whether to accept or reject your claim. Get legal advice before they reject it.
RAF requests highly detailed financial information — they may be challenging the extent of your income loss. An attorney can prepare proper evidence.
Status suddenly changes to "Claim Disputed" — the RAF is contesting liability. Legal representation is essential.
No status update for 9+ months — administrative failure. An attorney can file a complaint or judicial review application.
Settlement offer seems unreasonably low — before accepting, consult an attorney to negotiate or assess litigation prospects.

Key Legislation

RAF Act 56 of 1996, Section 24 — specifies RAF's duty to acknowledge claims and respond within defined timeframes
Road Accident Fund (General) Rules, Rule 13 — prescribes claim acknowledgement and assessment procedures
Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000 — allows you to challenge unreasonable delays by the RAF

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Not keeping your claim reference number. Lose this and tracking becomes difficult. Store it safely (photo on your phone, written on a document).

Mistake 2: Not following up. The RAF will not chase you. If they request a document, they expect you to send it within 7 days. Delays are your responsibility.

Mistake 3: Expecting instant updates. RAF systems are slow. Status changes may take 5–10 days to appear online or on phone systems. Be patient.

Mistake 4: Assuming no news is good news. If 120 days have passed and you have no update, actively check or call. Silence often means your claim is stalled or disputed.

Mistake 5: Not documenting everything. When you call or visit, keep notes: date, representative's name, what was said, what documents were requested. This protects you if there are disputes later.

For more on this topic, see how to claim from the RAF.

For more on this topic, see RAF payout timelines.

For more on this topic, see RAF compensation amounts.

When to Consult an Attorney

Your claim has been stalled for 6+ months without explanation
The RAF offers a settlement that seems too low (attorney can negotiate)
Your claim is disputed by the RAF (they claim you were at fault)
The RAF requests extensive financial documentation (attorney can prepare proper evidence)
Serious injuries or significant income loss (attorney ensures full recovery)

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Disclaimer: This answer is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Processing times and procedures are subject to change. For specific guidance on your claim, consult a qualified attorney. About the Author: This answer was prepared by the Justibly Legal Research Team, reviewed for accuracy by practising attorneys admitted to the High Court of South Africa. Verify attorney credentials on the LPC register.

Last updated: April 2026