Advertisement
How to claim NSSF benefits in 2025
07th October, 2025 07:51 PM
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) serves as a social security institution providing financial protection to workers in both the formal and informal sectors of the Kenyan economy.
The Fund, established in 1965 through an Act of Parliament (Cap 258 of the Laws of Kenya), collects contributions, manages the funds, and pays out social security benefits to eligible members and their dependents.
Also watch: Ndindi Nyoro warns government over NSSF misuse, urges public consultation
Initially operating as a provident fund offering lump sum benefits primarily upon retirement, NSSF was transformed by the NSSF Act No. 45 of 2013 into a pension scheme.
This scheme requires all Kenyans with an income to contribute a percentage of their earnings, ensuring basic financial security in cases such as permanent disability, death of a contributory member, and retirement with a monthly pension.
In 2025, claiming National Social Security Fund (NSSF) benefits in Kenya involves understanding the eligibility criteria, completing the registration process, and submitting the necessary documentation at designated offices.
How to Register for NSSF
Registration is mandatory for all employed individuals to start contributing to the fund and securing future benefits. To register as an employed member, visit the nearest NSSF office with the following:
- Original National Identity Card (ID), Alien Card, or Passport, along with copies.
- An introductory letter from the employer.
Once registered, the member receives an NSSF membership card, which serves as proof of registration.
Also watch: Ruto defends NSSF deductions, cites growth in national savings
Employers use the membership number on the card to make monthly contributions to the member’s account. Members can also top up contributions via mobile money platforms like M-Pesa for convenience.
Eligibility criteria for NSSF benefits
NSSF offers various benefits, and eligibility depends on the type of benefit:
Age/Retirement benefit
Eligible members must be at least 55 years old or have retired from regular employment. Proof of retirement in the form of a retirement letter, certificate of service, or termination letter must be presented.
Withdrawal benefit
Available to members who are at least 50 years old and have retired from regular paid employment. Similar documentation is required as for retirement benefits.
Survivors benefit
Paid to dependents or relatives of a deceased member. Priority is given to the spouse and children, regardless of age or gender; if the spouse is deceased, parents (if unmarried and with no children); siblings (if unmarried, with no children, and with both parents deceased); guardians of minor children; or other applicants with letters of administration.
Invalidity benefit
Members certified as permanently incapable of working due to physical or mental disability qualify. Members aged 50 years or older with partial permanent incapacity that prevents employment also qualify. Medical certificates and treatment reports are required to support claims.
Emigration benefit
Members emigrating permanently outside the East African Community are eligible to claim this benefit, provided they can provide proof of emigration, such as visas, affidavits, and travel documents.
How to claim NSSF benefits
To claim any benefit, the member or claimant should:
- Visit the nearest NSSF office with the required documents, including your NSSF membership card, valid identification, and proof relevant to the benefit type (e.g., a retirement letter, death certificate, or medical reports).
- Complete the relevant application forms provided at the office.
- Submit all required supporting documents, including bank details for electronic fund transfers (EFT).
Claims are processed after the submission of documents and verification.
For benefits such as invalidity, further medical examinations may be required by the Fund’s appointed doctors.
In May 2025, NSSF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Koros announced plans by the Fund to resolve persistent waiting times in the processing of claims, citing the NSSF’s track record of up to a year-long claim delay.
“NSSF has been known not to pay claims for up to one. I think you have heard these stories of Kenyans waiting for their claims until even others may pass without them, but we are going to make this be a past. We will be paying benefits within one day by the end of this plan, which is 2027,” he stated.
“We want when you claim your benefits with NSSF, you to be able to get them within 24 hours. If you claim your benefits on Tuesday morning, on a Wednesday morning, your money should be in your account.”
