The Guardian's Fund: when the Master holds a child's inheritance
- A minor inheritsThe will makes no other arrangement
- Guardian's FundInterest is compounded monthly
- MaintenanceSchool fees and more, on application
- Claim at 18Or at an age the will sets
- 30 yearsUnclaimed money is forfeited
The Guardian's Fund, run by the Master of the High Court, holds money for minors and others who cannot receive it directly. It earns interest, can pay school fees and maintenance on application, and is claimed at 18 or at an age set in the will. Unclaimed money is forfeited after 30 years. This is information, not advice.
When a child inherits and the will makes no other arrangement, the money often goes to the Guardian's Fund. This page explains what that means, using the guidance of the Master of the High Court.
What is the Guardian's Fund?
A fund the Master of the High Court runs to hold money for people who cannot receive it directly: minors, people unable to manage their own affairs, unborn heirs and heirs who cannot be found. The Master charges no administration fee.
How does money get there?
Usually through a deceased estate. When a minor inherits and the will makes no other arrangement for the money, it is paid into the fund.
Paying for school fees and maintenance
The money can be used for the child while they are a minor. On application, on form J341, the Master can pay maintenance such as school fees, clothing and medical costs from the interest, or from the capital up to R250 000.
Interest
Interest is compounded monthly and runs until five years after the money becomes claimable. The rate changes over time, so this page does not quote one.
Claiming the money
The child claims at 18, or at another age set in the will, on form J251. The Master verifies the claimant, including with fingerprints.
Unclaimed money
Money not claimed within 30 years is forfeited. Every September the Master publishes a list of unclaimed amounts, and tracing agents may not buy claims.
How a will changes this
A will can set a different age for a child's inheritance, or leave it to a trust run by trustees the will names. A sole guardian can also appoint a guardian for the child in the will, under section 27 of the Children's Act. Guardians and children's trusts explains both.
Questions for the Master's office
- Is there money in the fund for this child?
- Which form applies, for maintenance or for a claim?
- What proof of identity is needed to claim?
Where SortMyCover fits
SortMyCover does not administer estates and gives no advice. It books a call with a will consultant about a will. For a claim on the fund, contact the Master's office: the helpline is 012 406 4805.
Sources
- Guardians and Custodians (Guardian's Fund), Master of the High Court (Department of Justice and Constitutional Development). Page seen October 2026. Used for: How the fund holds, pays and forfeits money.
- Frequently asked questions, Master of the High Court (Department of Justice and Constitutional Development). Page seen October 2026. Used for: When a Master's representative lodges an account.
- Children's Act 38 of 2005, Government of South Africa (gov.za). Page seen October 2026. Used for: Appointing a guardian in a will.