How Much Of A Husband’s Pension Does A Widow Get?

How Much Of A Husband’s Pension Does A Widow Get?

A widow is entitled to receive a percentage of her husband’s pension annuity if he dies while in service or after retirement, with benefits determined by the length of his pensionable service and, in the case of death after retirement, a guaranteed five-year annuity that provides a lump sum payment of remaining annuity amounts if he passes away within that period.

In the case of a member’s death while still in service, the benefit is based on the duration of the member’s pensionable service. The payment is directed to the beneficiaries designated by the deceased member, or, if no beneficiaries are specified, the funds are allocated to the member’s estate.

For members who die after retirement, their retirement annuities are guaranteed for five years. If the member passes away within this timeframe, the beneficiaries receive the remaining balance of the five-year annuity payments as a lump sum, excluding any annual supplements.

Additionally, a qualifying widow or eligible life partner is entitled to a percentage of the annuity that was being paid to the member at the time of death. This entitlement also applies if the member dies while in service, provided they have completed at least 10 years of pensionable service, which includes both the actual years served and any unexpired years until the member’s normal retirement age.

What is a GEPF Annuity?

An annuity is a financial product offered by insurance companies that provides regular payments, typically during retirement, in exchange for a lump sum payment or a series of contributions. Its primary purpose is to deliver a steady income stream after you stop working.

This is paid to a surviving spouse, including an eligible life partner. If there is more than one eligible spouse, the annuity is shared equally among them. The spouse’s annuity is a lifelong monthly pension and is not affected by re-marriage.

How to Access GEPF Annuity

In the event of a pensioner’s death, the surviving spouse must 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 the spouse’s green bar-coded ID.
• 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 ID or passport, along with confirmation of death from the Department of Home Affairs.
• A certified copy of the marriage certificate—whether religious, customary, or civil—issued by Home Affairs.

GEPF Funeral Benefits

Funeral benefits are designed to help cover the costs associated with funerals when a member or pensioner passes away. These benefits are also available in the event of the death of a spouse, life partner, or eligible child of a member or pensioner.

The GEPF offers funeral benefits not only for members and pensioners but also for their spouses and eligible children, providing support during a difficult time.

Who Can Claim GEPF Funeral Benefit?

The GEPF accepts claims from the following individuals, in order of priority:

• A member
• A pensioner
• The spouse of a member or pensioner
• An adult child of a member or pensioner
• The guardian of a minor child of a member or pensioner (a minor is someone who cannot manage their affairs, so the guardian acts on their behalf)
• The parent or parent-in-law of a member or pensioner
• A sibling or sibling-in-law of a member or pensioner
• The executor of the deceased’s estate.

CONTACT GEPF

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

enquiries@gepf.co.za

Postal Address
GEPF Private Bag X63,
Pretoria,
0001

For more information, visit the official website of the Government Employees Pension Fund. I hope the provided information is helpful, share your thoughts below in the comment section.