Understanding when and how to claim your NSSA (National Social Security Authority) retirement benefit is essential for every worker in Zimbabwe. Since the rules depend on your age, the type of work you did, and how long you contributed, here is a simple guide to help you navigate the process.
1. When Can You Start Claiming?
There are three main “doors” through which you can enter retirement and start receiving your benefits:
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Normal Retirement (Age 60): This is the standard age. If you are 60 years old and are no longer employed, you are eligible to claim.
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Late Retirement (Age 65): If you chose to keep working past 60, you must stop contributing to NSSA at age 65. Even if you continue to work after 65, you should start claiming your benefit.
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Early Retirement (Age 55) – For “Arduous” Jobs: This is a special category for people who worked in physically demanding or dangerous jobs. To qualify at 55, you must have spent at least 7 of the last 10 years before turning 55 in one of these “arduous” occupations.
What is “Arduous” Employment?
The law recognizes that some jobs take a greater toll on the body. These include:
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Agriculture: All types of agricultural work.
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Mining: Working underground (like lashing or rigging) or in high-heat areas (like smelters and coke ovens).
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Transport: Driving heavy trucks.
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Quarrying: Working in stone quarries.
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Forestry: Operating heavy machinery like chainsaws, jack operators, or timber loaders.
2. Pension vs. Grant: What Will You Receive?
Not everyone receives a monthly check. What you get depends on how long you paid into the NSSA system:
| Benefit Type | Contributory Period | How it is Paid |
| Retirement Pension | 120 months (10 years) or more | Paid monthly for the rest of your life. |
| Retirement Grant | More than 12 months but less than 120 months | A one-time lump sum payment. |
Note: If you contributed for less than 12 months, you generally receive a refund of your contributions plus interest.
3. Don’t Miss the Deadlines!
You must submit your paperwork within specific timeframes, or you risk losing out:
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For a Pension: You should claim within 12 months of retiring.
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For a Grant: You should claim within 5 years of retiring.
4. Checklist: What You Need to Apply
To avoid delays, ensure you have the following documents ready:
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P9/P10 Form: This is the official claim form. It must be filled out by both you and your last employer.
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Identification: A certified copy of your National ID, a valid Zimbabwean passport, or a driver’s license.
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Proof of Income: Your recent payslip, which must be stamped and signed by your employer.
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Banking Details: A recent bank statement to ensure the money is sent to the correct account.
Pro-Tip
If you are still working at age 65, remind your employer to stop deducting NSSA contributions from your salary, as the law states contributions must end at 65. You can then begin enjoying your retirement benefit even if you have a private arrangement to continue working.
