Funeral benefit enhancement scheme

Among several other social security benefits, the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) of Zimbabwe pays a funeral grant of USD 300 under the Pension and Other Benefits Scheme. The benefit is paid to provide assistance towards the burial of a member who would have contributed to the scheme for a minimum period of 12 months. The USD 300 payout is insufficient to cover basic funeral expenses. In an endeavour to accord every retirement pensioner a decent burial, NSSA contracted Econet Life to provide funeral services to NSSA retirement pensioners. The bereaved family can opt to receive USD 500 cash in lieu of services if they have their own funeral cover. There are over 50 service points countrywide. NSSA contributes USD 0.40 per month for each retirement pensioner to Econet Life. NSSA feels that this is an innovative scheme which falls within the definition of good practice of the International Social Security Association (ISSA). As such we are firmly persuaded that it constitutes a unique innovative solution worth submitting for the ISSA Good Practice for Africa Award, thereby presenting it to a global audience.

Award Region
Award Year
2017
Country
Region
Main country
Main region