Post-Retirement Death Benefit
When a retired member of the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) passes away, the Fund provides benefits to support the remaining beneficiaries. The two primary benefits are outlined below.
Requirements for Benefits
To initiate the claim process, the next of kin must visit the nearest PSPF office with the Pension Card and Death Certificate of the deceased retiree or principal pensioner.
1. Monthly Pension Benefit: Spouse(s)
A legally married surviving spouse is entitled to receive 50% of the deceased retiree’s monthly pension as a monthly annuity. This payment continues until the spouse’s death or remarriage, whichever occurs first. If the deceased retiree was legally married to more than one spouse, the 50% annuity is equally divided among the surviving spouses.
Important Notice:
- Spouses who remarry after the retiree’s death are required by law to inform the Fund, either by providing a new marriage certificate or through a self-declaration affidavit if a marriage certificate has not yet been registered.
- Failure to notify the Fund of remarriage and continuing to receive annuity payments as a surviving spouse constitutes fraud and is subject to legal action.
2. Monthly Pension Benefit: Children
Children of the deceased retiree may also qualify for a monthly annuity under certain conditions:
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No Surviving Spouse: If there is no surviving spouse, children under the age of 21 (or under 25 if still enrolled in full-time formal education) will receive a monthly annuity equal to 20% of the retiree’s monthly pension. If there are more than five eligible children, they will equally share 100% of the retiree’s monthly annuity.
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Surviving Spouse Alive: If a surviving spouse exists, each eligible child will receive 10% of the retiree’s monthly pension. If there are more than five eligible children, they will equally share 50% of the retiree’s monthly annuity.
Additional Considerations:
- Children above the age of 21 who are not in full-time education do not qualify for the annuity. However, if they enroll in full-time education before the age of 25, they become eligible for the monthly annuity during their studies.
- Children over 21 years of age who are 100% permanently disabled, as confirmed by a reputable medical facility and the PSPF Board of Directors, are eligible to receive the monthly annuity according to the applicable rates, continuing until their death.