GIPF pays N$48m in beneficiary study fees

THE Government Institutions Pension Fund paid out almost N$48 million towards studies for orphaned beneficiaries between the age of 18 and 25 years from January to December 2019 and is calling on more to come forward this year.

This was revealed by Edwin Tjiramba, the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) manager for stakeholder engagement, yesterday, who urged old and new beneficiaries to submit proof of enrolment for the 2020 academic year.

Tjiramba said annually, GIPF supports orphaned pupils and students, whose parents were GIPF members, by providing financial assistance towards their studies.

He said: “Between January and December 2019, GIPF paid out almost N$48 million to child annuitants (children of deceased GIPF members) aged between 18 and 25 years.”

GIPF manager for benefits processing Venessa Kangueehi explained that the fund is committed to delivering high quality services and ensuring that beneficiaries receive the benefits owed to them.

“Thus it is imperative that annuitants, who are full-time pupils or students between the ages of 18 and 25 years, submit their proof of enrolment in the form of a formal letter from their respective schools and tertiary institutions,” she said.

She said the proof of enrolment must be submitted to the nearest GIPF office in good time to avoid delays in processing the benefits.

Kangueehi warned beneficiaries that only authorised signatories such as the principal, faculty officer, branch coordinator and/or the deputy head of department or anyone acting in that capacity, are allowed to sign the enrolment letters.

She also clarified that for those beneficiaries who take a break from their studies due to any unforeseen circumstances before they turn 25 years, their benefits would be suspended until proof of enrolment for studies is submitted.

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