This blog post will walk you through the essentials of GEPF claims, including processing times, contact information, and what to do if you have unclaimed benefits.
How Long Does a GEPF Claim Take?
The GEPF is committed to processing your claim efficiently. Once you have submitted all the necessary documentation, the claim will typically take no longer than 60 days to process. It is essential to ensure that all information and documents are correct to avoid delays. Keeping track of your claim’s status can help you receive your pension income promptly.
How to Contact GEPF About a Claim
If you have any queries regarding your claim, it’s best to reach out to the GEPF Call Centre at 0800 117 669. To save time and money, you don’t need to travel all the way to Pretoria. The GEPF has offices in all provinces, offering the same quality of service you would receive at their headquarters.
What Are Unclaimed Benefits?
Unclaimed benefits refer to pension funds that have not been paid out to members or their beneficiaries within 24 months of the member’s last day of service. These benefits can accumulate for various reasons, such as:
- Missing or incorrect exit documents (Z102 forms) submitted when leaving the Fund.
- The inability of GEPF to obtain a tax directive from SARS due to unresolved tax issues, such as unregistered tax status or pending tax returns.
- Payments being returned due to incorrect banking details, frozen or dormant accounts, or incorrect pay points.
- Insufficient information regarding the deceased member’s spouse or beneficiaries, preventing the distribution of benefits.
Who Can Claim Unclaimed Benefits?
Unclaimed benefits can be accessed by:
- Retired GEPF members and those who are no longer in service.
- Beneficiaries of deceased GEPF members or those no longer in service.
- Guardians of the beneficiaries of GEPF members.
Steps to Access Unclaimed Benefits
To find out if you have unclaimed benefits, you can check the Unclaimed Benefits List for your province. Here’s how you can get started:
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
- Mpumalanga
- Northern Cape
- North West
- Western Cape
If you find that you have unclaimed benefits or if you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact GEPF through their dedicated channels.
GEPF Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding claims or unclaimed benefits, you can reach out to the GEPF using the following contact details:
- Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 117 669
- Fax Number: 012 326 2507
- Email Address: enquiries@gepf.co.za