Qualifications and eligibility

Pensions Background

The National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) was established in 2000. It operates a Defined Benefit Scheme where the benefits are determined by a formula. Upon retirement members receive monthly pension for life.

The scheme has a minimum pension that is increased every January in line with wage inflation

Pension Eligibility

NPS (Amendment) Act No. 7 of 2015

The basic requirement for a pension is 180 months of contributions (15 years). If a member does not qualify for a pension, they get a lump sum.

Effective 14th August 2015, pensionable age for members of NAPSA was revised as follows:

  • Early retirement age – previously 50 years, now 55 years
  • Normal retirement age – previously 55 years, now 60 year
  • Late retirement age – 65 years
  • Members who joined the scheme after 14th August 2015 can claim their benefits at 55, 60 or 65 years
  • Members who joined the scheme before 14th August 2015 can claim their benefits at 50 and 55 years OR can claim at 60 or 65 years
  • Continued payment of the pension is dependent on annual submission of a pension life certificate

how can we help you?

Contact us at the Consulting WP office nearest to you or submit a business inquiry online.

The NAPSA Way is about how much as an institution we value and care for our members in our day-to-day operations.

Director General
National Pension Scheme Authority

Formal Sector Benefit Types and EligibilityNAPSA provides the following benefits

Normal Retirement Pension
  • Payable at 55/60 years
  • 15 years of contributions
  • Late retirement payable at 65 years
Early Retirement Pension
  • Payable at 50/55 years
  • 15 years of contributions
  • Pension should exceed minimum pension
Invalidity Pension
  • Any age
  • 5 Years of contributions (At-least 12 contributions in 3 years preceding invalidity)
  • Declared medically unfit by a medical board
Survivors Pension
  • Member or Pensioner dies
  • Spouse and Child under age 18 are paid
  • Children under age 25 in formal education
  • An unborn child of the deceased (in utero)
  • Child of any age disabled by age 18 and at death of the member
  • In the absence of a spouse(s) and children, a lump sum is payable to the administrator of the deceased’s estate
Funeral Grant
  • Atleast 12 contributions in the last 3 years (not applicable to survivor’s pension claims)

Informal Sector Benefit Types and EligibilityNAPSA provides the following benefits

Normal Retirement Pension
  • Payable at 60 years
  • At least 10 years of contributions (120 months)
  • Late retirement payable at 65 years
Early Retirement Pension
  • Payable at 55 years
  • At least 10 years of contributions (120 months)
  • Pension should exceed minimum pension
Invalidity Pension
  • Below retirement age
  • At least 5 Years of contributions (60 months)
  • At-least 12 contributions in 3 years preceding invalidity
  • Declared medically unfit by a medical board
Survivors Pension
  • Member or Pensioner dies
  • Spouse, Children and entitled beneficiaries are paid
  • Children or entitled beneficiaries under age 25 in formal education
  • An unborn child of the deceased (in utero)
  • Child  or entitled beneficiaries of any age disabled by age 18 and at death of the member
  • In the absence of a spouse(s) and children, a lump sum is payable to the administrator of the deceased’s estate
Family Funeral Grant
  • Paid on death of contributing member, registered spouse, children and entitled beneficiaries
  • At least 12 contributions in the last 3 years (not applicable to survivor’s pension claims)
  • Paid to maximum of 6 registered children under the age of 18 and up to 25 for those in school
Maternity Benefit
  • At least 12 contributions in 3 years preceding date of delivery 
  • Claim should be made within six months from date of delivery
  • 24 months between pregnancies
Access to credit
  • Minimum 12 months membership to NAPSA
Weather Index Insurance Benefit
  • A member will contribute K50 per year towards the Weather Index Insurance Benefit
  • Benefit payout only made when crop failure is caused by adverse weather