Unclaimed benefits for 176 GIPF members: an urgent call to action

The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) provides various benefits to its members, such as Normal Retirement, Early Retirement, Resignation (also applicable to dismissals), Retrenchment, Disability benefit, Ill-Health Retirement, Death, and Funeral benefits.

These benefits are due when a member is no longer employed and exits the Fund. Currently the GIPF holds millions in what is referred to as unclaimed benefits.

Every staff member of a participating employer from all Government Offices, Ministries and Agencies as well as participating state-owned entities and Regional and Village Councils are entitled to receive pension benefits at the time when they leave employment and cease to be a member of the GIPF.

These benefits are guaranteed as per the rules of the Fund and therefore, are paid out to members or their beneficiaries, once a benefit claim is received by GIPF with all relevant supporting documents.

In terms of the GIPF Rules, these benefits become “unclaimed” where members or beneficiaries fail to claim them for a period of five years after the date on which they become payable. To date, approximately 176 members are still to claim their benefits from the Fund.

The process to claim benefits typically begins at the employer’s Human Resources (HR) department, where personnel files are maintained.

Completed benefit claim forms and supporting documents should be submitted to the GIPF. It is crucial to note that benefits can only be paid once a claim is completed, approved, signed by the participating employer, and submitted to the Fund with all required documents.

The Fund wishes to emphasize that GIPF does not appoint agencies or consultants to act on its behalf. Members are advised to approach the Fund directly for any information related to their benefits.

Members are further cautioned that no fees are payable for services rendered by the GIPF, unlike when using the services of a consultant. Members ae urged to claim benefits that may be due to them to secure their financial futures.