The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has explained who qualifies to benefit from a member's savings when the member dies, when single and without children.
When an NSSF member dies, their savings become accessible to their immediate family, for instance, a wife or husband or children who are above the age of 18 years.
But what happens when a contributor dies when they are single and have no children?
According to the Fund, the savings do not get lost simply because the contributor has died and has no immediate family.
NSSF CEO David Korros addressing a gathering during the launch of of NSSF's Corporate Strategic Plan 2023-2027 on Tuesday, May 7.
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NSSF
The Fund explains that in such a situation, the parents of the deceased become eligible for the savings and can access the funds.
However, when parents are also not available, the contributor's siblings automatically become the beneficiaries.
"The Husband or the wife of the member qualifies first, then all the children, regardless of their age or gender, where the spouse of the deceased is also late," NSSF stated.
"The parents of the deceased qualifies if they had no spoue or children. Brothers or sisters, where the deceased was single, had no children and both parents are deceased," the Fund added.
What Happens When the Above Options are Unavailable
When the parents and siblings are not available, NSSF explained that the funds are still accessible but for specific people.
According to the Fund, if the member's children are minors, the guardian of the member's children is eligible to claim the funds.
At the same time, an applicant holding Letters of Administration, where all dependant categories have been exhausted, can also claim the benefits.
"An applicant holding Letters of Administration, where all dependant categories have been exhausted," the Fund said.
How to Claim Dead Relative’s Retirement Savings
Beneficiaries who seek to claim a dead relative's funds must present the original death certificate as part of the application requirements.
Claimants are also required to provide a photocopy of the deceased member’s national identity card as well as their own identification documents, which include the national ID card and passport.
At the same time, applicants must also obtain a letter from the County Administration confirming the deceased member's dependents.
NSSF further notes that claimants should provide the deceased relative's NSSF membership number to facilitate the processing of the claim.
Once the required documents are submitted, applicants will be issued the appropriate application forms and guided through the remaining steps needed to complete the benefits application process.
According to the Fund, NSSF benefits are processed within 15 working days once a complete application with all the required documentation is received.
An undated photo of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) building in Nairobi.
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