
Unclaimed retirement benefits – a problem that won’t go away
Better member data, stronger engagement, and AI-assisted tracing may improve future outcomes, but billions of rands in legacy retirement savings are likely to remain unclaimed.

Better member data, stronger engagement, and AI-assisted tracing may improve future outcomes, but billions of rands in legacy retirement savings are likely to remain unclaimed.

Outgoing Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane says the system has laid bare long-standing non-compliance with section 13A of the Pension Funds Act.

The FST has upheld a ruling that a legal spouse must still prove financial dependence or be nominated to receive a share of a deceased member’s pension benefit.

There is a legal grey area over the calculation of pension interest in divorce settlements and whether funds may now be permitted to make deductions for future maintenance orders.

Understanding the nuances of ‘pension interest’ and ensuring accurate wording in the divorce order is vital to avoid complications.

The pension or provident fund is likely to have additional risk benefits that may change significantly when you leave your current company.