Harare (New Ziana) – The Public Service Commission (PSC) on Monday called on the public to immediately notify it of the death of a government pensioner in order for it to quickly make arrangements for surviving relatives to continue to draw the pension benefits.
In a statement, the PSC said survivors often experienced delays drawing the deceased’s pension benefits because it would not have been informed of the death of the member soon enough.
A surviving spouse(s), children under 18 and guardians looking after the deceased’s children qualify to draw the pension benefits in case of the passing on of the actual beneficiary of the pension.
“Public Service Commission wishes to inform the public that when a Government Pensioner passes on, surviving spouse(s) and or relatives of the deceased should immediately notify the Public Service Commission. Upon the death of a Pensioner, surviving spouse(s) and or children under the age of 18 will be eligible to claim the widow’s or child pension from the day following the death of a pensioner,” the PSC said.
“Surviving spouses and or guardians of the children of the late should immediately apply for pension benefits at any nearest Public Service Commission Offices. Pension applications forms are obtained from Public Service Commission Head Office, Provincial and District offices around the country.”
It warned relatives not to draw pension benefits of a deceased ex-PSC member, saying doing so was an offence that would report to police when discovered.
This was in view of growing cases where relatives of a pensioner do not report their death, and quietly go on drawing their pension benefits instead.
“In cases where pension benefits have been paid to the deceased Pensioner due to late notification of death, relatives are being advised not to withdraw any money. This money belongs to the State. Surviving spouse(s) and or guardians of children of the late, Estate Administrators should not utilize those monies because these are State funds and as such, they should be returned to the Public Service Commission without any delays,” the PSC said.
“It is a criminal offence to withdraw pension paid after the death of a pensioner. Any criminal activity of this nature will be reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).”
New Ziana
