Why Teachers Risk Missing Out on Retirement Benefits.
Many teachers across the country risk missing out on their retirement benefits due to improper registration with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has highlighted that numerous teachers in basic education have failed to register with NSSF, which jeopardizes their entitlement to retirement benefits.
The TSC urges teachers to update their details before June 21 to secure their benefits. Siaya TSC County Director Gideon Nandi argues that the absence of NSSF account numbers leads to contributions from over 4,000 primary and secondary teachers hanging in suspense accounts. Nandi explained, “We have over 4,000 teachers both in primary and secondary who are contributing to NSSF but their remittances are lying in the suspense account due to them not having NSSF account numbers.”
In response, the TSC issued a circular on June 12, calling on all affected teachers to visit the nearest NSSF office for registration. Once registered, teachers must submit their NSSF numbers to their respective TSC Sub County Directors for further processing. Nandi emphasized, “All teachers are therefore required to visit the nearest NSSF office for registration purposes. Upon registration ensure you submit your NSSF number to your respective TSC Sub County Director for onward transmission to TSC Headquarters.”
Additionally, the commission advises newly enrolled teachers who haven’t updated their records to do so promptly. Nandi added, “Those already registered should obtain their latest NSSF statements and bring to the attention of the Commission any errors in such statements.”
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Retirement benefits for public service teachers are clear in their appointment letters, serving as a significant incentive for their dedicated service. Upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60, teachers need to apply for their benefits, with the NSSF membership card being a crucial document in this process.
The provident fund system, managed by the government, operates through monthly contributions equal to 12 percent of an employee’s salary, split equally between the employee and employer. Recent adjustments have increased the lower limit tier 1 contributions, affecting teachers’ monthly contributions. Effective from February, the lower limit tier 1 is pegged at Sh7,000, up from Sh6,000. Consequently, this category of teachers contributes Sh420, up from Sh320, with the employer contributing an equal amount, totaling Sh840 per month. The upper limit is set at Sh29,000, with each party contributing Sh1,740.
To ensure a smooth transition into retirement and secure the benefits you deserve, make sure your NSSF registration is complete and up to date. Visit your nearest NSSF office and submit your NSSF number to your TSC Sub County Director without delay.
Why Teachers Risk Missing Out on Retirement Benefits.
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