The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced a major policy change that will require all pensioners to undertake a mandatory annual Pensioner Certificate renewal beginning April 2026.
The measure forms part of broader efforts to safeguard the integrity of the national pension scheme and ensure that pension payments are made only to eligible, living beneficiaries.
Under the new framework, every pensioner whether retiring compulsorily at age 60 or voluntarily from age 55 must renew their Pensioner Certificate once every year, specifically during their birth month, to maintain uninterrupted pension payments.
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SSNIT says the revised system is designed to curb invalid pension payments, enhance verification efficiency, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.
The move also aligns with best practices in pension administration globally, as biometric and digital verification become central to fraud prevention in social protection schemes.
To ensure accessibility, SSNIT has rolled out multiple renewal channels.
Pensioners can complete the process via the SSNIT Mobile App using facial verification, through the SSNIT Virtual Branch, at partner banks, or at any SSNIT branch nationwide.
Importantly, pensioners with mobility challenges can request home verification by contacting the SSNIT Call Centre.
In addition, pensioners will receive early reminders at least one month ahead of their birth month via SMS, email or other approved communication channels.
“We encourage all Pensioners to comply with this arrangement”, SSNIT said in a media release.
The Trust assured that the streamlined process will strengthen accountability while maintaining ease of access for beneficiaries across the country.
Source: CNR
