Teachers at Risk of Missing Retirement Benefits
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has emphasized the possibility of numerous teachers being denied retirement benefits as a result of improper registration with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
This issue affects numerous teachers in basic education across the country who have not registered with the NSSF, putting their retirement benefits in jeopardy.
Urgent Call for Registration Update
TSC has urged teachers to update their details before June 21 to secure their benefits. Siaya TSC County Director Gideon Nandi pointed out that the contributions of affected teachers are currently held in suspense accounts because of the absence of NSSF account numbers.
He mentioned that over 4,000 primary and secondary school teachers are contributing to NSSF, but their remittances are idle in suspense accounts due to the lack of proper registration.
Steps for Registration
The commission has issued a circular dated June 12 to resolve this issue, urging all affected teachers to promptly visit the nearest NSSF office for registration. Upon registration, instructors are required to submit their NSSF numbers to their respective TSC Sub County Directors for further processing. TSC emphasized the importance of this step to ensure the smooth transmission of their contributions to TSC Headquarters.
Key Actions for Teachers
- Visit the nearest NSSF office for registration.
- Obtain NSSF numbers.
- Submit NSSF numbers to respective TSC Sub County Directors.
- Importance of Updating Records
TSC also reminded newly enrolled teachers who haven’t updated their records to do so. The commission advised these teachers to obtain their latest NSSF statements and report any discrepancies to ensure their records are accurate.
Retirement Benefits and Contributions
Retirement benefits for teachers in the public service are detailed in their appointment letters, serving as an incentive for their dedicated service. Teachers are expected to apply for their benefits upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60, with the NSSF membership card being a crucial document in this process.
Provident Fund System
The provident fund system, managed by the government, operates through monthly contributions equivalent to 12% of an employee’s salary, split equally between the employee and employer. Recent adjustments have increased the lower limit tier 1 contributions, affecting the monthly contributions of teachers.
Contribution TierPrevious LimitCurrent LimitEmployee ContributionEmployer ContributionTotal ContributionLower Limit Tier 1Sh6,000Sh7,000Sh420Sh420Sh840Upper LimitN/ASh29,000Sh1,740Sh1,740Sh3,480
Effective from February, the lower limit tier 1 was increased from Sh6,000 to Sh7,000, resulting in teachers contributing Sh420 (up from Sh320), with employers matching this contribution, totaling Sh840 per month. For the upper limit, contributions are pegged at Sh29,000 with each party contributing Sh1,740.
By ensuring proper registration and timely updates of records, teachers can safeguard their future retirement benefits and avoid the pitfalls of suspended remittances.
Teachers at Risk of Missing Retirement Benefits
