How Much Is A GEPF Spouse Pension?

How Much Is A GEPF Spouse Pension?

The GEPF Spouse Pension refers to the pension benefits awarded to the spouse of a member of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) upon the member’s death. A qualifying spouse or eligible life partner is entitled to receive a percentage of the annuity that was being paid to the member at the time of their passing.

This also applies if the member dies while still in service and has a full potential service period of at least 10 years, which includes both pensionable service years and any unexpired years until normal retirement.

The spouse’s pension amount can be either 50% or 75% of the pension the member was receiving at the time of death, with the exact percentage depending on the option selected upon retirement. If there are multiple eligible spouses, the annuity will be divided equally among them. The spouse’s annuity is a lifelong monthly pension and is unaffected by remarriage.

GEPF Spouse Annuity

The GEPF Spouse Annuity is a financial benefit for the spouse or eligible life partner of a member of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) in South Africa. It aims to provide financial support after the member’s death.

This annuity is paid to the surviving spouse or eligible life partner, and if there are multiple eligible spouses, the annuity will be shared equally among them. The spouse’s annuity is a lifelong monthly pension and remains unaffected by any subsequent remarriage.

Click Here for the GEPF Spouse Pension form

How Can Your Spouse Access the Annuity?

When a pensioner passes away, the surviving spouse needs to complete the Application for Spouse Pension Z143 form and submit it to the GEPF along with the following documents:

• A certified copy (not older than six months) of their green bar-coded identity document.
• A certified copy (not older than six months) of the pensioner’s death certificate.
• A certified copy (not older than six months) of the pensioner’s green bar-coded identity document or passport, along with confirmation of death from the Department of Home Affairs.
• A certified copy of the marriage certificate—this can be religious, customary, or civil, as issued by Home Affairs.
• Alternatively, the spouse can provide proof of marriage through a certified copy of a customary union certificate, Hindu certificate, or lobola affidavit, along with confirmation of the customary union from representatives of both families.

Once these documents are submitted, the GEPF will process the application for the spouse annuity.

What Happens When a GEPF Pensioner Dies

Upon the death of a GEPF pensioner, the GEPF will assist with funeral costs by providing funeral benefits. If the pensioner passes away within five years of retiring or being discharged, the GEPF will pay the remaining balance of the retirement or discharge annuities to the designated beneficiaries.

Additionally, if the pensioner leaves behind a spouse, life partner, or orphaned children, they will be eligible for monthly pension benefits.

GEPF Funeral Benefits

This benefit provides R15,000 to cover the funeral costs of a deceased pensioner. The same amount is also available for the funeral of the pensioner’s spouse or life partner. For an eligible child, the benefit is R6,000. Whenever possible, the GEPF aims to process and pay this benefit within 72 hours of receiving the application. The payment is made as a cash lump sum and is subject to taxation.

How To Access GEPF Funeral Benefit

The GEPF accepts claims for funeral benefits from the deceased pensioner’s spouse, children, parents, parents-in-law, siblings, or the executor of the estate. Please note that payments cannot be made directly to a funeral undertaker.

• To claim the funeral benefit, the person making the claim must provide the following documents:
• A completed Funeral Benefit Claim Z300 form.
• An original certified copy of the death certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs, dated within the last six months.
• A certified copy (not older than six months) of their green bar-coded identity document, passport, or birth certificate. For minor children, a copy of the deceased’s birth certificate may be required.
• An original certified copy (not older than six months) of the claimant’s green bar-coded identity document or passport.
• A completed Banking Particulars Z894 form. If this form is not provided, the benefit will be paid via the Post Office.

If the funeral benefit is to be paid into a bank account, the claim should be mailed or hand-delivered to the GEPF. If the payment is going to be sent to the Post Office, the claim can be faxed or emailed.

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

The GEPF Spouse Pension provides important financial support for the spouses or eligible life partners of GEPF members who have passed away. The pension usually pays out between 50% and 75% of what the member was receiving, helping to ensure that their loved ones have financial assistance during a difficult time. Visit the official website of GEPF for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful, share your thoughts below in the comment section.