Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)
The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) is the largest pension fund in Africa, specifically tailored for employees within the South African government. It provides retirement, withdrawal, and other benefits for over 1.2 million active members and over 450,000 pensioners and beneficiaries.
What is GEPF?
GEPF was established in 1996 to manage and administer pension funds for employees in government and related public sectors. The fund plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial security of its members during retirement and offers various benefits throughout the members’ careers. It operates under the South African Government Employees Pension Law of 1996, which outlines its responsibilities and benefits.
For more information about GEPF, visit the official GEPF website.
GEPF Benefits
The GEPF provides a range of benefits, including:
- Retirement Benefits: These are paid out to members who retire and qualify for a pension. Members can choose between a lump sum payout and monthly pension payments. The amount is calculated based on years of service, final salary, and accrual rates.
- Withdrawal Benefits: These benefits are offered to members who resign or leave government service before reaching retirement age. The amount is based on their contributions plus interest.
- Death Benefits: If a member passes away while still employed, their dependents or nominated beneficiaries will receive a lump-sum payout.
- Funeral Benefits: This covers the funeral costs for members and their immediate family members. This benefit provides a cash payout to assist with funeral expenses.
- Disability Benefits: If a member becomes permanently disabled and can no longer work, GEPF provides disability benefits to ensure financial security.
- Spousal Pension: After the passing of a pensioner, the surviving spouse is entitled to a percentage of the monthly pension for the remainder of their life.
To understand these benefits in detail, you can explore the GEPF Benefits Guide.
GEPF Contribution
Contributions to the GEPF are made by both the government as the employer and the employee. The standard contribution rates are:
- Employer contribution: 13% of pensionable salary.
- Employee contribution: 7.5% of pensionable salary.
These contributions are pooled together and invested in various asset classes to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fund. You can read more about contributions and investment strategies in the GEPF Contributions Policy.
GEPF Investments
GEPF is not only a fund for managing pensions but also one of the largest investors in the South African economy. Through the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), GEPF invests in:
- Government bonds
- Infrastructure projects
- Equities (stocks)
- Real estate
These investments are aimed at ensuring that the fund can meet its obligations to members, while also contributing to the growth of the South African economy.
Find more about GEPF investments here.
How to Access GEPF Services
Members can access their GEPF information and manage their pension benefits through several platforms:
- GEPF Online Services: Members can register and log in to access their pension details, update personal information, and track their contributions. Access the portal here.
- Contact GEPF: For personal assistance, you can reach out to GEPF’s regional offices or call their contact centre. Find the nearest office here.
GEPF Pension Pay Dates
For pensioners, knowing the pension pay date is crucial for planning monthly expenses. The pension pay dates are released annually and are available on the GEPF website. You can view the schedule for 2025-2026 here.
