Whether you are employed or self-employed, having a retirement plan assures one of living comfortably, even when retirement comes calling and you no longer have the energy to work for your livelihood.
What is NSSF?
National Security Social Fund (NSSF) is a contribution platform in which people over 18 years and who are either employed by their employers or self-employed can register and start to make savings every month from their salaries for a brighter future life after retirement.
This platform ensures that the contribution made by each member also attract interests along the way until it attains maturity when the member attains 55 years according to their registration details.
After attaining the withdrawal period, the member can withdraw all their saving accompanied by their interests and use it for their future life out of employment.
History of NSSF
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) was established in 1965 through an Act of Parliament Cap 258 of the Laws of Kenya.
The Fund initially operated as a Department of the Ministry of Labour until 1987 when the NSSF Act was amended transforming the Fund into a State Corporation under the Management of a Board of Trustees.
The Act was established as a mandatory national scheme whose main objective was to provide basic financial security benefits to Kenyan upon retirement. The Fund was set up as a Provident Fund providing benefits in the form of a lump sum.
The Act establishes two funds namely, the Pension Fund and the Provident Fund, to provide for contributions to and payment of benefits out of the Funds.
Benefits offered by NSSF Kenya
1. Age/Retirement Benefit
Eligibility: Members are eligible for this benefit when they reach the age of 55 years, or when they ultimately retire from regular paid employment.
2. Withdrawal Benefit
Eligibility: Members are eligible for this benefit if they are at least 50 years of age and they have retired from regular paid employment. A member would opt to apply for this benefit (over the age/retirement benefit) if they retire before attaining 55 years of age.
3. Survivors Benefit
This benefit is paid to: This benefit is payable to the survivor(s)/dependant(s) relative(s) of a deceased member. The dependant relatives qualify for this benefit in the following order:
• The husband/wife of the deceased member.
• All children irrespective of age or gender (if the husband/wife of the deceased member is also deceased, or if the deceased member was a single parent).
• The parents of the deceased (if the deceased member was not married and had no children).
• Sisters/brothers of the deceased (if the deceased was single, had no children, and both parents are deceased).
• The guardian to the children of the deceased member (where both the parents are deceased and all the deceased members’ children are minors).
• An applicant who has letters of administration (where all dependants are exhausted).
4. Invalidity Benefit
This benefit is paid to:
• Members who are certified to be permanently incapable of working because of physical or mental disability.
• Members who are at least 50 years of age and suffer from a partial incapacity of a permanent nature that prevents them from undertaking employment.
5. Funeral Grant
This benefit is paid to:
• The grant is payable to a dependant of a deceased member. This dependant must be nominated by the family and must be identified by local administration.
• The deceased member must have been a member of the fund who made at least three (3) monthly contributions to NSSF.
• The deceased/beneficiary has not yet been paid his/her benefits.
NSSF card application in Kenya
Having an NSSF card and making contributions on a monthly basis is important for your future's well being.
The NSSF application process is simple and straightforward.
You can apply for the card at the nearest NSSF branch or Huduma center near you. Alternatively, you can choose the online application process if you are looking for convenience.
Whatever your preference is, applying for the NSSF card is a wise move.
Requirements for NSSF application
1. Before you commence your NSSF card application process, you need to ensure that you have the following documents;
2. Kenyan National Identity Card or valid passport
3. Your employer appointment letter. This case applies to all employed persons
4. Employer’s name and NSSF number
5. A valid copy of your Kenya revenue authority (KRA) PIN
NSSF card application procedure
Offline application
Once you have met the above requirements for an NSSF card application, proceed to the next stage. The offline registration process is as follows:
1. First, visit any NSSF office branch in your locality or any Huduma center. Once there, approach an NSSF officer. He/she will give you a form to fill.
2. Fill all the necessary details honestly and without any errors
3. Attach all your documents once done. It is advisable to use certified copies whenever possible
4. Return the form with the attached documents to the NSSF officer
5. He/ she will take the full prints of your fingers for both hands
6. Later you will be issued with an NSSF membership card at the same station.
Online application
It is possible for both the voluntary (self-employed) NSSF member and the employed member to apply for their NSSF card number Kenya online.
Note that you must have all the necessary requirements as explained above. The documents help with easy NSSF card processing.
Once you have all the documents with you, apply as follows:
1. Visit the NSSF official web page.
2. Click on the NSSF: Members section.
3. Choose accordingly; depending on your employment status.
4. Alternatively, you can also download the NSSF card forms from the website, fill them and submit at your nearest NSSF branch.
How to check NSSF number in Kenya
When you register with the NSSF, you get issued with an NSSF card that bears your name and NSSF number, among other details. This identifies you as an individual, but it also helps you make your contributions easily.
If you happen to have lost your NSSF card and you need to retrieve your number for one reason or another, all you need to have is a computer or a mobile phone with a stable internet connection.
You can then check NSSF number online through the NSSF self-service portal.
You can likewise contact the NSSF help team to retrieve your NSSF number.
How to register on the online NSSF portal
1. New registration for NSSF non-members
New NSSF members can have their credential registered on the NSSF new members segment.
Input the correct details, if at all the registration is to go through.
After successful registration, print or download the application notification form.
Visit the nearest NSSF office with the copies of the form to necessitate certification. NHIF will then issue you with an encoded PIN key for activating the online account on the self-service portal.
With the user activation PIN on hand, launch the member activation page.
Fill all the details required including the secret password, username, and the encoded PIN.
Complete the process by clicking on ‘activate’. Keep the passwords and username safe for future login.
2. Registration as NSSF member
Follow the below procedure to activate the NHIF online account if you are an active NSSF contributor.
Visit the nearest NSSF office and request for issuance with an encoded activation PIN.
It happens that one can lose the encoded PIN, don’t worry
Once issued with the PIN, launch the member activation page on the portal
In the locations provided include your username, password, and PIN key in the correct way.
Click on ‘activate’. Your account is now active on the portal
If you happen to lose or forget your login details, head on to the ‘Recover forgotten/lost credentials’ section. Fill in the details on the mandatory fields and change your password to recover back your account.
In case you already you have already registered on the e-portal account and happen to have forgotten both user username/password and the encoded key use the Member Recertification link to validate your details and restore account functionality.
How to get NSSF Statement
At the moment, NSSF makes contribution statements available via three methods:
1. Physically visiting the fund’s offices
2. The online portal
3. Mobile-based apps
Making use of the app and the self-service portal is the most recommended and efficient method to retrieve your statement.
1. How to Check NSSF statement via mobile phone app
NSSF mobile app is available on both Android and IOS platforms.
For Android devices, download the app on Google Play Store. iPhone device owners can access the App Store to download a compatible application.
Once you have downloaded this, it gives you the privilege to view your E-statement and scrutinize any contribution’s transactions with NSSF.
This app accords one a seamless, instant and convenient way to register as a member, view NSSF Kenya contribution statement and pay for monthly dues.
Here is the procedure:
1. After installation, launch the app
2. You will be prompted to create an offline credential using a password and username. Save the personal details by selecting ‘save offline login.’
3. A notification, ‘Login saved’ will appear signaling a successful creation of login data.
4. Click ‘ok.’
5. Proceed and use the verified offline login details to access the app features.
6. After successful login, you will be prompted
7. Then go ahead and tap on ‘Add new member’.
8. To continue at this point, you must have registered on the NSSF e-service. If registered, continue and input your e-service username and password plus the NSSF member’s number.
9. If not catalogued into the NSSF e-service, click the button, ‘Not registered? Register’. Include the details required, validate and save.
10. A notification displayed as ‘member created’ confirms successful registration. Click ‘ok’ option.
11. The app will then take you to a page where you will be prompted to select on the indicated identity credentials.
12. The app will redirect you to a new interphase layout displaying a member’s account, where, you are provided various options to select. In this case tap on ‘View statement.’
13. Download the statement if prompted to do so and view from your device.
How to get NSSF statement on the self-service portal
You must first be registered within the online portal to take advantage of the provisions of the web-based system.
Follow the steps below to access your e-statement.
1. Launch the NSSF Self-Service portal on your browser.
2. On the e-portal, click on “Member self-service links “option.
3. Among the several links displayed, hover and select ‘NSSF contributions statement’ tab.
4. A statement's account login page displays. Have with you an NSSF username and password to allow you to log in. After filling out the login details correctly, proceed and enable account privileges.
5. After logging in, expect a welcome remark. Click on the provided link on the page to continue.
6. After the page redirects you to your account, scroll to select the statement period you wish to access. Click on “Issue account.”
Your digitally generated NSSF statement is henceforth available for viewing.
NSSF contribution rates
NSSF stipulates the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) at Kshs.6,000, while Kshs. 18,000 falls as the Upper Earnings Limit (UEL).
The fund deducts a total of 12% on the pensionable wages, 6% being from the employee and the remaining 6% charged on the employer.
However, the maximum deductions don't exceed Kshs. 2,160 for members earning more than Kshs 18,000.
The scheme deducts the contributions from the member’s salary while the employer is obliged to submit the disbursements.
NHIF Members earning less than Kshs. 6000 (Kshs.720 contributions) fall on the tier I rate category.
Tier II category accommodated the amounts deducted on members lying on the LLE and UEL category.
Maximum charged on Tier II is Kshs.1, 440.
How to Top up your NSSF Voluntary Contributions
You can now make contributions directly into your NSSF account through M-PESA.
This is a fast, easy and convenient way to increase your contributions through your mobile phone. Simply follow the instructions listed below to do so. Please note:
1. Go to your M-PESA menu.
2. Select Lipa na Mpesa.
3. Select the PayBill option.
4. Enter NSSF Business Number 333300.
5. Enter your 9-digit NSSF number.
6. Enter the amount you want to pay.
7. Enter your MPESA pin.
8. Confirm payment.
Note: it takes up to 48 hours for the amount to be processed on your NSSF statement.
NSSF Kenya Payment Deadline
You should pay your contributions for each month before the 15th day of the ensuing month.
Please remember that payment made after the 15th day of the ensuing month attracts interest.
