Process for Claiming KSh300,000 from SHA in Case a Teacher Dies

The Social Health Authority (SHA) provides a Last Expense Benefit worth KSh300,000 to the family of a teacher who dies while registered under the teachers’ health scheme.

According to SHA, the benefit is a one‑off cash payment intended to support families during the difficult period immediately following the death of a teacher.

The Last Expense Benefit is paid to the next of kin or a nominated beneficiary of the deceased teacher, provided the deceased teacher was registered as a principal member under the SHA‑managed teachers’ medical scheme.

Release of Payments and Overview of the Teachers’ Last Expense Benefit

Speaking on April 28, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said payments for the Last Expense Benefit would be released starting April 29, while arrangements were also underway for specialized care, including the departure of the first patient for overseas treatment.

Duale noted that under the Last Expense Benefit, 160 claims had been fully processed, with KSh300,000 per case set to be paid out to next of kin beginning Wednesday, April 29.

Commonly referred to as a funeral or burial grant, the benefit is meant to help families meet urgent expenses such as funeral arrangements, burial costs, transport, mortuary fees, and other immediate household needs.

The benefit forms part of the teachers’ enhanced medical cover, also known as Mwalimu Cover, which operates under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund framework.

SHA administers the scheme in coordination with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and teachers’ unions.

Unlike hospital treatment benefits, SHA notes that the Last Expense Benefit is not linked to medical bills and is paid directly in cash to the beneficiary’s bank account.

While SHA separately supports limited end-of-life services, such as short-term mortuary storage under the medical scheme, the KSh300,000 payment is specifically intended to reduce the financial burden on families after a teacher’s death.

Also Read: Breakdown of All Services Covered by SHA and Payouts Reserved for Each 

Eligibility and Payment Timelines

The benefit is available only to teachers registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) who are enrolled as principal members under the teachers’ health scheme.

Family members covered under the medical scheme are not automatically entitled to the same cash payment if they pass away.

The amount paid is a fixed KSh300,000 per qualifying case, and according to SHA, the claims process is designed to move quickly once all the required documents have been submitted and properly checked.

In April 2026, SHA confirmed that claims that had been delayed earlier were cleared, with payments to families of deceased teachers starting towards the end of that month.

How Families Can Claim the SHA Benefit

SHA explains that the claim process is coordinated between SHA and TSC, with assistance from school administrators and relevant offices.

The process begins when the next of kin or nominated beneficiary reports the death of the teacher.

This notification is usually done through the teacher’s former school, a TSC county or sub‑county office, or directly through SHA channels.

In many cases, TSC first verifies the teacher’s employment and registration details before forwarding the claim to SHA for payment.

Also Read: Looming Crisis as SHA’s Financing Gap Widens with Claims at KSh 91.5 Billion

Guidance for Families and Follow‑Up After Approval

Families must provide documents to confirm the teacher’s death and show who should receive the payment.

These documents include a completed SHA or TSC last expense claim form, a certified death certificate or burial permit, national identification documents for both the deceased teacher and the beneficiary, proof of the relationship or nomination, and bank details for the payment.

In some situations, families may also be asked to provide extra documents, such as a police abstract in the case of an accident or a letter from a local administrator or chief.

SHA advises families to review the required documents early and ensure everything is complete before submission, as missing or incorrect paperwork can delay the payment process.

Once the claim is verified, SHA pays the KSh300,000 directly into the beneficiary’s bank account.

Claimants can follow up on their application through the SHA or TSC offices or via SHA’s official support channels for teachers’ inquiries.

SHA encourages teachers to regularly update their next‑of‑kin and beneficiary details with both SHA and TSC to ensure their families can access the Last Expense Benefit without delays.

Families are also advised to familiarize themselves with the benefits and the claim process in advance.

SHA says the payment is intended to help families quickly access financial support after losing a loved one, so they can cover funeral costs and address urgent household needs without unnecessary stress during a very difficult time.