When My Husband Dies, Do I Get Part Of His Pension?

When My Husband Dies, Do I Get Part Of His Pension?

Yes. If a member passes away, their spouse or eligible life partner will receive a portion of the annuity the member was receiving. This benefit applies whether the member dies while actively employed or after retiring, provided they had at least 10 years of pensionable service. Death benefits are in place to help protect the financial well-being of the member’s family.

The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) also provides annuities to surviving spouses or orphaned children when a member dies either during service or post-retirement. If a member dies while still employed, the benefit amount is determined by their length of service and is paid to the beneficiaries named by the member or, in the absence of such designation, to their estate.

The annuities are guaranteed for five years for members who pass away after retirement. If the member dies within this period, the remaining balance of the five-year payments will be given to the beneficiaries as a lump sum, excluding any annual increases. These provisions are intended to ensure financial support for a member’s family, whether the death occurs during their working life or after they retire.

When My Husband Dies, Do I Get Part Of His Pension?

A qualifying spouse or eligible life partner is entitled to receive a portion of the annuity that the member was receiving at the time of their death. This also applies if the member passes away while still in service, provided they had a total potential service period of at least 10 years.

This includes both pensionable service years and the unserved years remaining until the member’s normal retirement age.

Funeral Benefits

The purpose of funeral benefits is to assist with covering the funeral expenses when a member or pensioner dies. These benefits are also provided upon the death of a member’s or pensioner’s spouse, life partner, or eligible child.

The GEPF aims to process funeral benefit claims within 72 hours of receiving them, whenever possible. However, delays may occur if the claim form or supporting documents are incomplete or incorrect. To ensure the claim is processed quickly and efficiently, the claimant must provide complete and accurate information.

Who Qualifies For The Funeral Benefit?

The GEPF offers funeral benefits for members or pensioners, as well as for their spouses or eligible children. Under the Government Employees Pension Law, the following definitions apply:

Member: Someone who is actively contributing to the GEPF. This does not include individuals contributing to related funds like the TEPF (Temporary Employees Pension Fund) or AIPF (Associated Institutions Pension Fund), as these funds do not provide funeral benefits. A member can also be someone who:

• Is on leave, with or without permission
• Has been suspended, but was contributing to the Fund before the suspension
• Is considered a dormant member
• Pensioner: Anyone who is receiving a monthly annuity from the GEPF.

If a member retires or leaves the Fund and is not eligible for a monthly annuity, they will no longer qualify for funeral benefits after leaving government service.

Required Documents to Claim Funeral Benefit

To process and pay a funeral benefit, the GEPF needs the following documents from you:

• A completed Z300 form (Funeral Benefit Claim Form).
• A certified copy of the death certificate from the Department of Home Affairs.
• For a stillborn child, a note from the doctor and hospital confirming the pregnancy length and the death certificate.
• A certified copy of the deceased’s ID, passport, or birth certificate (for minors).
• A certified copy of your ID or passport.
• If you want the payment in a bank account, fill out the Z894 form with your bank details.
• If sending the claim by fax, include a certified bank statement with the bank’s email and phone number for verification.
• If you want payment through the Post Office, make sure it’s an online Post Office and include the details on the Z300 form. Bring the original application and documents to the Post Office, or payment will not be made.

You may need to include these extra documents with your funeral benefits claim:

• If the spouse is deceased or the applicant: a certified copy of the marriage certificate, proof of religious or customary marriage, lobola letter, or two affidavits (one from each family) confirming the union. The lobola letter or affidavits must include the place, date, people involved, and Lobola paid.
• If an adopted child is deceased or the applicant: a certified copy of the adoption order showing the adoptive parents’ names.
• If the benefit is paid to the estate: a certified copy of the letter of executorship, a Z894 form with the estate’s bank details, and a certified copy of the executor’s ID. If faxing, include a certified bank statement with the bank’s contact details for verification.
• If the deceased is a biological or adopted child over 18 and a full-time student: certified proof of enrollment from the school.
• If the deceased is a biological or adopted child over 18 who was disabled and dependent: certified medical proof of disability and proof of dependency on the member or pensioner.
• If the applicant’s surname is different from the member’s or pensioner’s: an affidavit explaining the relationship (e.g., the applicant is the married daughter of the deceased).
• If the applicant or deceased is a life partner: the partnership must have been approved by the GEPF before processing the claim. If not approved before death, include a completed Life Partner Application form with the funeral claim.

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 the Government Employees Pension Fund for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful, share your thoughts below in the comment section.