The experience of retired civil servants in claiming their old age pension in Tanzania: A case of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Kinondoni Branch Dar es Salaam

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the experience of retired civil servants in accessing their old age pension from National Social Security (NSSF) pension fund. The study employed qualitative research design that based on fieldwork and review of literatures related to the study. The study employed implementation theory and program theory to guide hypotheses for understanding behavior of the retired civil servants and NSSF staff in implementing the NSSF pension program in Tanzania. Indeed, life cycle theory and insurance theory were applied together to set the interview questions for understanding motives for retired civil servants utilize pension schemes. The findings indicate that both unemployment risks and longevity risks are the key determinant for making decisions regarding buying insurance or being employed to an employer providing pension insurance. Human beings are vulnerable to risks and uncertainties with respect to income as a means of life sustenance. To contain these risks, everyone needs some form of social security guaranteed by family, community and the society as a whole. Social security programs provides an opportunity for solidarity and risk pooling in the society given that no individual can guarantee his or her own security. The study recommends that there should be reforms in mandatory Defined Benefits schemes to include strong strategies to avert old age poverty among retired civil servants. NSSF as a pension scheme should continue increasing coverage and improving the conditions and circumstances understood as barriers to enjoying life as pensioners served by the facility. There is need to strengthen our institutions, fight against corruption and mismanagement of funds contributed from hard earned money