An Assessment of the Challenges Faced by the Retirees in Accessing Formal Security Benefit in Tanzania: The Case of PSPF in Hanang’ District

This study assessed challenges faced by retirees in accessing formal security benefits in Tanzania: It was conducted in Hanang’ District. More specifically, the study examined procedures used in processing Pension Benefits in PSPF and challenges faced by retirees when accessing pension benefits from social security funds. It further, assessed the impact of challenges of the social security fund to the retirees and other stakeholders. This is the case study design which used mixed method, namely, the qualitative and quantitative researches. Interview, questionnaires, non-participant observation and documentary review were employed as the instruments for the data gathering. The findings revealed there are procedures that have to be followed. Before retirement one gives notification to employer six months before receiving retirement benefits. As regard, retirement benefits, a lump sum is given once after retirement and second part of the pension is that which the employees are receiving after every month. The findings also revealed most of the complaints were the inadequacy of benefits, delays in payments, lack of update information about the schemes and the amount o f individual contributions made, estimated benefits statements and incomplete contribution records.Furthermore, findings disclosed that for instance many teachers’ retirees are virtually forced to live very precarious lives and they cannot meet their basic needs due to the delays in pensions and falling in household incomes. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Social Security Fund should regulate the relationship between the contributions made by the members to PSPF before retirement to be proportional to the benefit they receive after retirement. The Social Security Fund should revisit the amount of pension it pays to its retirees specially those who stopped working before 2006.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University of Tanzania

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Sulle, Martha

• 360 Social services; association

Language dc:language

en