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How to Claim Your NSSA Pension

Estimated read time: 3 minutes

Quick Summary

  • Eligibility Age: 60 years for normal retirement (or 55 for early retirement in certain strenuous jobs).
  • Contribution Period: You must have contributed for a minimum of 120 months (10 years).
  • Key Form: You will need to complete the P9/P10 form.
  • Required Documents: Original National ID, original birth certificate, and bank account details.
  • Where to Submit: Your nearest NSSA (National Social Security Authority) office.

Throughout your working life in formal employment, you and your employer have been making contributions to NSSA. The purpose of this fund is to provide you with a source of income when you retire. This guide explains the process of claiming your NSSA retirement pension.

Part 1: Are You Eligible to Claim?

Before you start the process, you need to ensure you meet the two main criteria for eligibility for the Retirement Pension and Grant scheme.

1. Age Requirement

The normal age for claiming a retirement pension is **60 years**. You can claim up to the age of 65. In certain designated strenuous occupations, early retirement may be considered from the age of 55.

2. Contribution Period Requirement

To qualify for a monthly pension, you must have made contributions to the NSSA fund for a minimum of **120 months (10 years)** over the course of your working life.

If you have contributed for less than 120 months but more than 12 months, you will not receive a monthly pension, but you will be entitled to a once-off lump-sum payment known as a Retirement Grant.

Part 2: The Step-by-Step Claims Process

The process involves filling out a specific form and submitting it with your original personal documents to a NSSA office for verification.

  1. Obtain the P9/P10 Form: This is the official "Retirement Pension and Grant Claim Form." You can get this form from any NSSA office nationwide.
  2. Complete the Form: Fill out the form accurately. You will need to provide your personal details, NSSA number, and employment history. Your last employer may need to complete a section of the form.
  3. Gather Your Documents: You must submit the completed form along with the following **original documents** and clear photocopies:
    • Your National Identity Document (ID).
    • Your Birth Certificate.
    • Proof of your bank account (a recent bank statement or a letter from your bank) into which the pension will be paid. NSSA does not make cash payouts.
    • Your last payslip can also be helpful.
  4. Submit Your Application: Take your completed P9/P10 form and all your original documents and photocopies to your nearest NSSA office. An officer will review your documents, verify them, and officially accept your claim for processing. They will return your original documents to you.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Incorrect Banking Details: Double-check your bank account number on the form. Any errors will cause significant delays in receiving your payments.
  • Missing Documents: Ensure you have all the required original documents before you visit the NSSA office to avoid having to make multiple trips.
  • Outdated Contact Information: Make sure the phone number you provide is current, as NSSA may need to contact you during the processing of your claim.

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