The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is a mandatory savings scheme in Kenya that provides social security coverage to Kenyan workers.
The fund is designed to provide benefits such as retirement benefits, survivor benefits, and disability benefits to members who contribute to the fund.
If you are a Kenyan worker, it is essential to know how to apply for NSSF coverage and the benefits you are entitled to receive.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before applying for NSSF coverage, it is important to determine if you are eligible for the fund. To be eligible for NSSF coverage, you must be a Kenyan citizen and must be in paid employment.
Self-employed individuals, casual workers, and those in unpaid employment are not eligible for NSSF coverage.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Once you have determined your eligibility, you will need to gather the required documents to apply for NSSF coverage.
The following documents are required to apply for NSSF coverage:
- A copy of your national ID or passport
- A copy of your birth certificate
- A copy of your KRA PIN certificate
- A copy of your employment contract or appointment letter
- Two passport-sized photographs
Step 3: Complete the NSSF Application Form
Once you have gathered the required documents and opened a bank account, you will need to complete the NSSF application form.
The NSSF application form can be obtained from any NSSF office or can be downloaded from the NSSF website.
When completing the application form, be sure to provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays in processing your application.
Step 4: Submit the Application Form and Required Documents
Once you have completed the application form, you will need to submit it along with the required documents to your nearest NSSF office.
The NSSF office will then verify the information provided in the application form and the required documents.
Step 5: Make Contributions
Once your NSSF application has been approved, you will need to start making contributions to the fund.
Contributions to the fund are deducted from your salary and paid by your employer.
Monthly Contributions
The NSSF Act, of 2013, increased the monthly deductions for salaried personnel in accordance with a graduated scale, increasing them from Kes200 to Kes600 for the lowest earners and from Kes320 to Kes1,080 for the highest earners. The contribution ceilings will rise yearly.
When a worker earns more than Kes18,000, they are eligible for two kinds of Tier I and Tier II compensation.
Tier I contributions are applicable to individuals with pensionable income up to the lower-earning threshold of Kes6,000.
Tier II contributions are those made with respect to pensionable earnings that exceed the lower earnings cap.
Employees in Tier I are required to contribute up to Kes720 per month, while those in Tier II are required to contribute up to Kes1,440 per month, with the latter amount depending on earnings over Kes18,000.
Step 6: Keep Track of Contributions and Benefits
It is important to keep track of your NSSF contributions and benefits. You can do this by regularly checking your NSSF account statement, which will provide a record of your contributions and benefits.
Benefits of NSSF Coverage
By applying for NSSF coverage, you will be entitled to the following benefits:
Retirement Benefits
Upon reaching retirement age, you will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment from your NSSF account.
The lump sum payment will be based on the contributions you have made to the fund and the investment returns earned on your contributions.
Survivor Benefits
In the event of your death, your surviving spouse and dependents will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment from your NSSF account.
The lump sum payment will be based on the contributions you have made to the fund and the investment returns earned on your contributions.
Disability Benefits
In the event of a total and permanent disability, you will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment from your NSSF account. The lump sum payment will be based on the contributions
