The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) says approximately 176 members have yet to claim their benefits from the Fund.
According to the GIPF Rules, these benefits become “unclaimed” when members or beneficiaries fail to claim them for a period of five years after the date on which they become payable.
“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, is entitled to receive pension benefits 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 are paid out to members or their beneficiaries once a benefit claim is received by the GIPF with all relevant supporting documents,” GIPF General Manager of Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, Edwin Tjiramba, said.
He said 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 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,” Tjiramba said.
He said the GIPF does not appoint agencies or consultants to act on its behalf and advised its members 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,” Tjiramba said.
The GIPF is a statutory pension body that provides guaranteed pension and related benefits to civil servants and employees of participating employers in Namibia.
