FEQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS
1. Is it obligatory to become a member of NAPSA?
NAPSA is a compulsory scheme for all workers in the country except those who are exempted under the Act.
2. What is the benefit of contributing to NAPSA?
NAPSA is an institution aimed at providing Social Security to its members. It provides three main benefits namely; Retirement benefit (at age 55), Invalidity (when a member is physically incapacitated), Survivors benefit ( in case of death of a member). These benefits seek to protect the members against destitution in retirement and other situations
3. What does NAPSA do with the money that it collects?
In order to pay a decent benefit, NAPSA invests the funds that it collects in accordance to the investment guidelines set. NAPSA invests in a diversified portfolio of listed equities, real estate, corporate bonds, Government bonds, Treasury bills, Cash and Cash equivalents. An abridged version of the audited accounts as at 31st December 2012 is published separately.
4. Does NAPSA offer loans to it members against their monies?
NAPSA does not offer loans directly to it members. However, NAPSA has funds in various banks thereby giving them the liquidity for onward lending.
5. Can one contribute to NAPSA if they are not in formal employment?
Yes. Even those in the informal sector can contribute to NAPSA. This means house servants and many others in similar circumstances should also be registered.
In the case of those who are self-employed, you can register yourself as both the employer and employee and contribute for yourself. If you wish to become a member or to find out more in this respect, please get in touch with your nearest NAPSA office
6. What is the rate of contributions?
It is 10% of the gross earnings. However, it is shared equally between the employer and employee at 5% each. This contribution is subject to the contributions ceiling in each prevailing year.
For example, the contribution ceiling for the year 2013 is K669.65
7. What happens when the employer is not remitting contributions; can the employees be paid their NAPSA benefits?
Yes they will eventually be paid their NAPSA benefits. However, this will depend on the employer remitting the outstanding contributions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY EMPLOYERS
1. When should a company register with NAPSA?
A company should register with NAPSA immediately it starts its operations
2. Can a company register with NAPSA even if it does not have any employees?
A company can register with NAPSA even if it does not have employees but they shall not remit returns. However, immediately they employ, they should register the employee.
3. Which employees are covered?
Everyone in any form of employment that is of age 16 to 55; both ages inclusive. This is subject to exemptions under the NPS Act.
4. Are foreigners also required to register as members with NAPSA?
Yes. Foreigners also have register as members and to have contributions deducted and paid to NAPSA on their behalf; unless they have diplomatic status or if they work for a company that has the status of an International Organization.
5. Which employees are exempt from paying NAPSA?
- Members of the Armed Forces
- Employee’s that have diplomatic status
- Those that joined the civil service before February 2000
6. What does NAPSA do to defaulting employers?
NAPSA is mandated by the NAPSA Act to prosecute defaulting employers