The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) announced that its pensioners will receive a 3.5% increase, effective 1 April 2026
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Pensioners of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) are set to get a welcome boost to their wallets after the fund announced a 3.5% increase, effective 1 April 2026.
The fund said that the increase will apply in full to pensioners who retired on or before 1 April 2025, while those who retired after that date will receive a pro-rated adjustment based on the number of months they have been receiving a pension.
"Pensioners who retired on or before 1 April 2025 are to receive an increase of 3.5%. Pensioners who retired after 1 April 2025 are to receive a proportionate increase based on the number of months they have been in receipt of pension up to 31 March 2026," the fund said.
"This pension increase is based on the 3.5% inflation rate for the 12 months ending 30 November 2025. It represents 100% of the November 2025 year-on-year Consumer Price Index (CPI), exceeding the 75% of November year-on-year CPI base increase required by the GEP Law and Rules. The GEPF is dedicated to helping its pensioners maintain their purchasing power amidst rising living costs".
The fund added that the increase is part of its effort to protect pensioners’ incomes while keeping the fund financially stable.
"The decision to grant this increase reflects GEPF’s strong commitment to balancing the interests of its pensioners with the Fund’s long-term financial stability. All pension adjustments are subject to the Fund’s financial affordability at the time of review".
"In the context of the current low-inflation environment, the granted increase is fully aligned to the applicable inflation measure and exceeds the 75% of CPI base increase provided for in the GEP Law and Rules. The GEPF remains dedicated to serving the best interests of its pensioners, ensuring they continue to enjoy a secure and dignified retirement".
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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