SSFR introduces online access of social security accounts

Pensioners with the Social Security Fund of Rwanda (SSFR) can now access their social security accounts by use of mobile phones and the Internet. The developments introduced recently are aimed at facilitating SSFR’s members in knowing their social security contributions.James Nsabimana, the Director of Contributors Education and Customer Relation Department said that this is an easy way of checking one’s social security status. “It is an automated and easier way of knowing your contributions over a certain period. All one needs is to have a mobile phone or internet access rather than visiting our branches. It is a transparent way of operation,” he explained.The service has been introduced and exhibited at the 12th Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF). According to Nsabimana, the new service has attracted many pensioners at the Expo grounds in Gikondo, demanding to know their status. “Many are excited about the service. We record about 80 pensioners per day on average,” he said. James Rurangwa, a Local Government Staff said that this service is exciting and transparent way of working. “One can track his account’s performance and if his contributions are paid by the employer. We are deducted every month,” he explained. According to the SSFR brochures, MTN-Rwanda as the service provider charges Rwf30 per text while on-line inquiries are not charged. However, ones social security membership number is required when inquiring. The service said to be regarded a move to extend social security service to the local people as the pension body bids to increase its informal sector coverage. The SSFR informal sector coverage is estimated below 10 percent. SSFR was last year award by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) for its decentralisation service. The pension body has 30 branches in each district (one branch per district) countrywide. According to social security contributions are paid quarterly. Employers are bound to hasty penalties when they failure to clear in time. Ends

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SSFR introduces online access of social security accounts