The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) is a cornerstone of financial security for South African public servants.
As the largest pension fund in the country, it plays an important role in providing retirement income to thousands of government employees.
Despite its significance, many contributors still need to figure out their pension savings.
The GEPF was established in 1996 to manage pension and related benefits for government employees.
It’s a defined benefit fund, meaning your pension is calculated based on your salary and years of service.
Unlike a defined contribution fund where your savings depend on investment performance, the GEPF offers a guaranteed income stream upon retirement.
Who can contribute to the GEPF?
Any permanent employee of the South African government is automatically a member of the GEPF, which includes employees at national, provincial, and local government levels. Temporary and contract workers are generally not eligible.
Beneficiaries of the GEPF
The primary beneficiary of the GEPF is the members themselves upon retirement. However, the fund also provides benefits for:
To check your GEPF balance online, you’ll need to access the GEPF’s self-service portal.
This online platform allows members to view their benefit statements, update personal information, and manage pension-related matters.
Follow these steps to check your pension balance online:
Your ID number serves as your username for the GEPF self-service portal. It’s important to keep your password secure and avoid sharing it with anyone.
If you haven’t registered for the GEPF self-service portal yet, you can visit the GEPF website and click the “Register” link. You’ll need to provide your ID number and other required information.
Once registered and logged in, you can check your GEPF balance and access other self-service options. The portal provides a comprehensive overview of your pension contributions, benefits, and other relevant information.
Your GEPF contributions are usually deducted from your payslip. While you can check your balance online, your payslip also provides details of your contributions.
The GEPF has a mobile app that allows members to access their accounts on the go. This app offers convenient features like balance checks, benefit statements, and notifications.
Your GEPF statement provides a detailed summary of your pension contributions, benefits, and other important information. You can access your statement online through the GEPF self-service portal.