Managing Dependants

Last updated: January 9, 2026 · Burial Societies · 8 min read

Dependants are family members covered under your burial society membership. This guide explains how to register dependants, what information is required, and how they affect your premiums and coverage.

What Are Dependants?

Dependants are people you register for coverage under your membership. When a dependant passes away, you can submit a claim for the payout.

Who Can Be a Dependant?

• Spouse – Husband or wife
• Children – Biological or adopted children
• Parents – Your mother or father
• Siblings – Brothers or sisters
• Other – Extended family (check scheme rules)

Adding a Dependant

1. Navigate to Family/Dependants
   Click "Family" or "Dependants" tab on your dashboard
2. Click "Add Dependant"
   Opens the registration form
3. Enter Personal Details
   First name, last name, relationship
4. Enter Date of Birth
   Format: YYYY-MM-DD (e.g., 1990-05-15)
5. Enter SA ID Number
   13-digit South African ID number
6. Optional Information
   Contact number, address
7. Primary Beneficiary
   Check if this person should receive payouts
8. Save Dependant
   System validates and adds to your coverage

Required Information

Mandatory Fields

• First Name – Given name
• Last Name – Surname
• Relationship – How they're related to you
• Date of Birth – Full DOB in YYYY-MM-DD format
• ID Number – 13-digit SA ID number

Optional Fields

• Contact Number – Mobile phone
• Residential Address – Physical address
• Primary Beneficiary – For payout designation

SA ID Number Validation

Zeturi validates South African ID numbers to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud.

Validation Rules

• 13 Digits – Must be exactly 13 digits
• DOB Match – First 6 digits must match date of birth (YYMMDD)
• Checksum – Must pass Luhn algorithm check

Example

Date of Birth: 1990-05-15 ID Number: 9005155123084 ↑↑↑↑↑↑ YYMMDD (90-05-15)

Premium Impact

Each dependant you add increases your premium. The amount depends on your scheme's payout model.

Flat Rate Model

Premium = Base Amount × (1 + Number of Dependants) Example: Base: R150 Dependants: 3 Premium: R150 × 4 = R600

Age-Banded Model

Premium = Sum of rates for member + each dependant Example: You (age 35): R120 Spouse (age 32): R120 Child 1 (age 8): R50 Child 2 (age 5): R50 Total: R340

Bulk Import

If you have many dependants, use the bulk import feature to add them all at once.

1. Download CSV Template
   Click "Import Dependants" → "Download Template"
2. Fill in Details
   Add dependants to CSV: first_name, last_name, relationship, date_of_birth, id_number
3. Upload CSV
   Click "Import Dependants" → "Upload File"
4. Review Validation
   System checks all entries, shows errors
5. Import Valid Entries
   Valid dependants added, invalid ones skipped

CSV Format

first_name,last_name,relationship,date_of_birth,id_number John,Doe,spouse,1985-03-20,8503205123084 Jane,Doe,child,2010-07-15,1007155123084 Mary,Smith,parent,1960-11-30,6011305123084

Editing Dependants

You can update dependant information after registration:

1. Find Dependant
   Locate in your dependants list
2. Click Edit
   Opens edit form
3. Update Details
   Change name, contact info, or address
4. Save Changes
   Updates are recorded

Removing Dependants

When a dependant should no longer be covered (e.g., child becomes independent), you can remove them.

1. Select Dependant
   Find in your dependants list
2. Click Remove
   Opens confirmation dialog
3. Confirm Removal
   Dependant removed from coverage
4. Premium Adjusts
   Your premium decreases from next payment

Primary Beneficiary

You can designate one dependant as the primary beneficiary. This person will receive payouts if you (the member) pass away.

Setting Primary Beneficiary

• Check "Primary Beneficiary" when adding dependant
• Or edit existing dependant and check the box
• Only one primary beneficiary allowed
• Setting a new one removes the designation from previous

Coverage Details

What's Covered

When a registered dependant passes away:

• You can submit a claim
• Payout based on scheme's payout model
• Amount may depend on dependant's age
• Payment made to you (the member)

What's Not Covered

• Dependants not registered before passing
• Dependants removed before passing
• Claims submitted during waiting period
• Claims when member is in significant arrears

Best Practices

• Register immediately – Don't wait until needed
• Keep information current – Update contact details regularly
• Verify ID numbers – Double-check before submitting
• Set primary beneficiary – Ensures clear payout designation
• Review coverage annually – Add new family members, remove those no longer dependent
• Understand premium impact – Know how dependants affect your cost

Common Issues

ID Validation Failed

Cause: ID doesn't match DOB or failed checksum

Fix: Verify ID number is correct and matches DOB exactly

Cannot Remove Dependant

Cause: System error or pending claim

Fix: Contact admin if removal button doesn't work

Premium Didn't Change

Cause: Change takes effect next payment cycle

Fix: Wait for next premium calculation, usually next month