How Long Does It Take To Get Your Money From GEPF?

How Long Does It Take To Get Your Money From GEPF?

The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) is a retirement fund for South African government workers. It helps provide financial support when they retire, making sure they have a steady income after they stop working.

GEPF offers different options for retirement, including regular retirement, early retirement, and retirement due to health issues. Employees who lose their jobs because of changes in the workplace can also receive their retirement benefits.

As you enter retirement one of your biggest risks is that you experience a time delay between your final pay cheque and your first payment from your pension. To help with this, GEPF tries to pay out pensions within 60 working days after a claim is submitted, reducing the waiting time for retirees.

Duration For GEPF Payments

After you have completed and signed all the necessary documents, be sure to check with your employer to confirm that they’ve submitted everything to the GEPF. You will know if the agency (GPAA) has received your withdrawal documents because they will send you a notification via email or SMS.

Once GEPF has all the correct information and documents, they will process your claim within 60 days. However, if any documents are missing or contain errors; like not being signed correctly, having expired certifications, or issues with outstanding taxes, it could delay the process.

Required Documents To Claim Your GEPF Pension Money

The following documents are required to submit your claim for your pension money;

• Identification Documents:

You need a bar-coded ID or, if you have a card ID, certified copies of both sides. If you are not a South African citizen, provide a certified copy of your valid passport. Make sure your ID details match your claim.

• Marriage Documentation:

Submit a marriage certificate (legal, traditional, or religious), lobola letters, or a life partner application if you have not submitted these before. If you are divorced, include your divorce decree and settlement order.

• Children’s Birth Certificates:

Provide unabridged birth certificates for your children that show both parents’ names, or an adoption order if applicable.

• Bank Details:

Fill out a bank form in your name, as benefits can only be paid into your account. If a minor is the beneficiary, include the guardian’s bank details, proof of guardianship, and a certified copy of the guardian’s ID. It is also a good idea to attach a recent bank statement to confirm the account is active.

• Tax Number:

Include proof of your active tax number. Remember to write your pension number on all documents to avoid confusion.

• Medical Benefits:

If you want to keep your medical benefits, fill out the application form and provide proof of your medical aid membership for the 12 months before applying.

• Retirement Requirements:

If you are retiring, attach a personal particulars form listing your dependents. Complete a retirement benefit choice form and ask for a quote for enhanced spouse benefits if you want one. Return the signed form to your HR before leaving to avoid delays.

• Resignation Procedures:

If you are resigning, fill out a choice form to either transfer your benefits or have them paid into your bank account. It is a good idea to talk to a financial advisor for help.

How To Claim Money From GEPF

Follow the steps below to claim your pension money from GEPF;

SELF-SERVICE ACTIVE USERS

• Open the Self-Service App or visit the website.
• Enter your username and password.
• To submit a new claim, review past claims, or track your current claim, click on the “Claims” button.
• Click on “Submit a Claim” to start a new claim.
• After selecting “Submit a Claim,” you will see the rules related to the two-pot system.
• You will be shown the amount available for withdrawal from your savings pot. To proceed, you must accept the terms and conditions.
• Use the “Withdrawal Calculator” to see how a withdrawal will affect your years of service.
• Click the “email icon” to request a withdrawal quote to be sent to your email.
• Confirm the accuracy of your banking details by clicking the confirmation button. You must accept the terms and conditions to continue.
• Confirm your income tax number. If it’s incorrect, you can update it before submitting it. You must also accept the terms and conditions to proceed.
• Click the “Continue” button to submit your claim.
• Payment will be processed within 60 working days after your claim is submitted.

NEW SELF-SERVICE USERS

• Download the GEPF Self-Service App from the appropriate app store for your device.
• Register your profile on the app, ensuring you provide up-to-date personal information, including your cell phone number and email address.
• You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) and a temporary password via SMS or email.
• Use the temporary password to log in, then change it to a new password of your choice.
• To submit a claim, view historical claims, or track your current claim, click the “Claims” button.
• Then follow the subsequent steps starting from Step 5 in the Two-Pot Withdrawal Process for Self-Service Active Users above.

GEPF Contact Details

Toll-free number: 08 00 117 669
Fax: 012 326 2507

enquiries@gepf.co.za

Postal Address
GEPF Private Bag X63,
Pretoria,
0001

Visit the official website of GEPF for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful, share your thoughts below in the comment section.