Death benefits are paid when a member dies while in service, or within five years of becoming a pensioner. GEPF also pays annuities to the surviving spouse(s) or orphan(s) of members who die while in service or after retiring.

Death while in service:The benefit paid is based on the member’s period of pensionable service. It is payable to the surviving spouse or beneficiaries or, if there are no beneficiaries, to the member’s estate.

Death after becoming a pensioner: Retirement or discharge annuities are guaranteed for five years after a member goes on pension. If the member dies within this period, his or her beneficiaries receive the balance of the five-year annuity payments (excluding the annual supplement) in a once-off cash lump sum.

Spouse’s annuity: A spouse or eligible life partner is entitled to a percentage of the annuity paid to the member at date of death. The same applies if the member dies while in service and had a full potential service period of at least 10 years (meaning pensionable service years plus unexpired years until normal retirement).

In the case of members who retired before 1 December 2002, the spouse’s annuity is 50% of the annuity the pensioner was receiving at the date of death. Members who retired on or after 1 December 2002 have the option (a once-off, final decision) of increasing the spouse’s annuity benefit from 50% to 75%.

Orphan’s annuity: GEPF pays annuities to the orphans of members who became pensioners on or after 1 December 2002. Orphan’s annuities are also payable when a member dies in service with a potential service period of 10 years or more. These annuities are only paid when a member’s spouse dies, leaving eligible orphans.