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  1. FAQ
    1. Is registration at GPSSA mandatory?
      1. Insurance and contributions with the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) are mandatory for all Emiratis working in the government and private sector, as per the pensions and social security law. 
        All entities are mandated to register their Emirati employees with the GPSSA from the moment they are employed.
        All employed UAE nationals between the ages of 18 to 60 must double check their entity has registered them with GPSSA upon joining the entity, and that monthly insurance contributions are being transferred as per the federal law requirements. 
        Accordingly, GPSSA advises private sector entities, even those affiliated to free zones, to register their Emirati employees. 
        If the above measures are not met, GPSSA as per the provisions of the pensions and social security law has the right to impose additional amounts on the employer in order to comply.
    2. Who is subject to the pension law?
      1. The pension law applies to UAE nationals working in the government or private sector

    3. What are the procedures to register and insure Emiratis under the provisions of the pension and social security law?
      1. The employer (government or private sector) must register their Emirati employees with GPSSA no later than one month from their joining date.
    4. What is the distribution of contributions due from insured individuals?

      1. -  Insured in both government and private sectors: 5%
        -  Government sector: Employers contribute 15% of the Contribution Calculation Salary.
        -  Private sector: Employers pay 12.5% of the Contribution Calculation Salary.
        -  Governmental Contribution: The government contributes by bearing 2.5% of the contribution rate determined for an insured individual employed in the private sector which is estimated to be 15%.
        The percentage of the total contributions due from an insured individual working in the government or private sector is 20%.

    5. When is an employer expected to pay monthly contributions to the General Pension and Social Security Authority?
      1. Both the employer and the insured individual must pay monthly contributions to the General Pension and Social Security Authority from the beginning of each month with a grace period of 15 days.

        Example:
        Contributions for October 2022 must be transferred to the Authority between 01/11/2022 and 15/11/2022.

    6. What is the retirement age and what are the pension entitlement conditions once retired?
      1. The retirement age for both male and female insured members is 60 years old. The pension is entitled in this case if the service period is 15 years.
    7. What is meant by work injury in accordance with the pension law?
      1. An injury that is caused because of a work-related accident that may have taken place during time spent at the office or while driving to and from work.
        Additionally, work-related pressure leading to diseases such as a heart attack or the nature of toxic materials used at the workplace that result in mortality is also considered a work injury. 

    8. What are the benefits determined by the pension law for an insured individual who has not fulfilled the pension entitlement conditions?
      1. The end-of-service gratuity in this case is calculated as follows: -

        -  An average contribution salary of 1.5 (one and a half) months for the first five years of the insured's service period.

        -  A two-month average contribution salary for the second five years of the insured’s service period.

        -  A three-month average contribution salary for years exceeding ten years of the insured’s service period.

    9. What is the time frame for a retirement pension?
      1. The pension becomes payable from the day following the end-of-service and until the death of its owner.
    10. If a retired Emirati returns to work in the UAE, what will happen to his pension? Is it allowed to combine his pension and work salary?
      1. -  The pensioner rejoins GPSSA given that the entity he/she is employed in is affiliated with the GPSSA.
        -  The pension payment is suspended if the salary from the work is equal to or greater than the value of the pension, whether the return to work is with an entity affiliated with the GPSSA or with another pension fund in the UAE.
        -  If the salary from work is less than the pension amount, it will be disbursed from the pension and calculated based on the difference in the limit between both.
        Please note: If the pensioner, who has retired earlier due to a disability or un-fit to work purpose, decides to return to work once again, his pension will be canceled.


    11. What is meant by purchase of a nominal service period?
      1. A nominal service period is a non-actual service period deemed by the pension law as actual years that an insured individual can request the GPSSA to purchase and add to his/her actual service period for the purpose of increasing the value/rate of the pension. 
    12. What consequences does an insured individual face in terms of end-of-service gratuity and pension entitlement if he/she is terminated from an entity due to a disciplinary decision?
      1. If the insured individual is entitled to an end-of-service benefit, then he/she is deprived of a quarter of the end-of-service gratuity. 
        If the insured individual is entitled to a pension, he/she is deprived of a quarter of that pension.


    13. What are the duties of a retired person (pensioner) towards the GPSSA after entitlement and payment of their pensions?
      1. Pensioners, beneficiaries or agents are obligated to update their personal data annually by filling out the annual declaration form in accordance with the announcements issued by the GPSSA to ensure the legitimacy of continued payment of pensions, and to keep GPSSA informed on any reasons for a suspension in payment as soon as it occurs, or a transfer from one beneficiary to another. 
        This reporting process will ensure accumulation of any amounts do not occur, which GPSSA has the right to claim in accordance with the law under the following conditions: 
        -  Pensioner (retired individual)
        -  Joining work with any other entity in the UAE
        -  Beneficiaries joining work 
        -  Marriage of females 
        -  Death of a pensioner or beneficiary 

    14. What are the rules for paying contributions in case of leaves/vacation?

      1. The general rule in the pension law states that in cases of unpaid leave, the insured individual is mandated to pay the full contributions on behalf of the employer and him/herself.

        As for paid leave, both the insured and the entity bear the percentage specified in the law.


    15. What is meant by merging the previous employment period?

      1. ​This includes receiving previous service periods by which the insured was entitled to an end-of-service benefit in order to reach the required service period for retirement pension entitlement.

    16. What are the applicable provisions of law if an insured's service period has exceeded 35 years ?
      1. The insured will be granted a three-month salary every year as a reward. This can be done through the pension calculation salary category.
        Below is an example of an insured whose service period lasted 38 years with Dh25,000 as salary for calculating his/her pension.
        The reward = 3 x Dh25,000 x 3 = Dh225,000 (in addition to the retirement pension).

    17. Is there a minimum limit of shares distributed to eligible beneficiaries?
      1. Yes, there is a minimum share for beneficiaries, as shown below. 

        -  Dh800 for a widow or husband

        -  Dh600 for each parent

        -  Dh400 for the remaining beneficiaries (sons – daughters – brothers and sisters) 

        Please note that the share will be raised if it is less than the limit. 


    18. Should a person be employed in order to add previous service periods or purchase a legal service period?
      1. Yes, the existing law requires that the individual is working in order to add the previous service periods or legal service periods. The additional cost is calculated based on the salary at the time of additional request; the added service period is calculated with the pension to be disbursed from the next day of end of service date. 
    19. Are there any other benefits entitled to the retired employee in relation to pension and gratuity if the insured service period exceeded 35 years?
      1. In this case, the insured shall be entitled to a grant worth Dh60,000 if his/her service was terminated due to natural death. The amount is then distributed amongst the legal heirs.
    20. When is the beneficiaries share in pension paid?
      1. At the beginning of the month following the death of the insured or pensioner.
    21. Is it advisable to add a service period in all cases? Is it better to add the service period after working for a while or when starting a new job immediately and why?
      1. Adding the previous service period increases the possibility of receiving a retirement pension. It’s always advisable to add the previous service period upon joining a new one, because the additional cost is calculated based on the contribution salary. 
    22. When does pension become payable?
      1. From the month following the date of termination of service.
    23. How is the pension divided if only two persons remain eligible?

      1. Distributing pension between two persons differs according to the eligible remaining one. If two children remain (two sons or a son and a daughter), they are eligible for a full pension, and if two widows are eligible for pension remain, they are entitled to 3/8 of the pension.

    24. If the service of the pensioner is terminated and he/she has not completed the last month of his/her service, is this part of the month calculated in the pension?
      1. The insured is entitled to receiving the full month payment even if he/she worked for a single day during that month.
    25. Is the retirement pension for a providing female inherited or does her pension stop with her death?
      1. The retirement pension is paid to the insured individual, regardless of his/her gender, on the next day of the end-of-service date. 
        In case of a death, pension for both men and women is transferred and divided amongst eligible inheritors.

    26. When does the retirement pension decrease or increase?

      1. In principle, the retirement pension does not decrease, because when an heir becomes ineligible for his/her share in pension, the pension is distributed again, unless, for example, the only beneficiary is a widow who has died, or one child and died, then the right to the pension ends.
        Pension increases when, for instance, a girl is married at a time when her father or mother pass away, therefore, she is not entitled for a pension. However, if she, after a long or short period of time is divorced after the death incident, her pension share becomes renewed from GPSSA treasury, without reducing any other beneficiary shares in the pension. 
        This applies in case of a divorce or widowhood of the daughter, sister, and mother, or if the son or brother becomes unable to earn after the death of the pensioner, provided that none of those individuals has a salary or pension.
    27. How is the retirement pension divided amongst widows and children?
      1. If the pension is for widows and children (male and female) only, it is distributed as follows:

        - Widow (s) + One child or more
            3/8                  5/8 (divided equally, if many)

        - Widow (widows + children + parents + brothers)
                          3/8             3/8           1/8           1/8

        - Widow (s) + children + parents                   
              1/8               4/8          3/8

        - Widow (s) + children + brothers
              1/8               4/8          3/8

        - Widow (s) + One child or more
             5/8                     3/8
    28. On which basis shall pensions be distributed, legislation or what?
      1. The pension shall be distributed according to a special table (3), added to the pension law, not according to the provisions of the Islamic Sharia, as the pension is not considered an inheritance.
    29. What are the documents required for the registration of UAE Nationals with the Authority as contributors in order for them to become insured?
      1. Government sector:
        -  Insured Start Service Form
        -  A copy of the insured's Emirates ID.
        -  A copy of the family book of the insured when he/she was appointed.
        -  The appointment decision, self-procedure, or employment contract, in accordance with the entity's applicable action.
        -  The health fitness certificate approved by a government agency.
        -  If the insured receives a retirement pension or works for another party, the following documents must be attached:
             -  Certificate of receiving another pension.
             -  Certificate of employment to another party.


        Private sector:

        -  Insured Start Service Form
        -  A copy of the insured's Emirates ID.
        -  A copy of the family book of the insured when he/she was appointed.
        -  The employment contract approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation or the competent authority, and the appointment decision.
        -  The health fitness certificate approved by a government agency.
        -  If the insured receives a retirement pension or works for another party, the following documents must be attached:
             -  Certificate of receiving another pension.
             -  Certificate of employment to another party.
    30. Are there minimum and maximum limits for Contribution Calculation Salary?

      1. -  The maximum limit in the private sector is AED 50,000

        -  The minimum limit in the private sector is AED 1,000​​

    31. Who bears the contributions in the event of leaves/vacation and secondments?

      1. Personal leave or external secondment: The insured must pay his/her share and the employer's share of contributions in the event that the external secondment period is without pay, or during personal leave periods.

        Internal secondment:  With regards to paid secondments, both the entity the employee is seconded to and the employee must bear their monthly shares of contributions.

        Please note: The employer under any given condition must continue to pay the monthly contributions in full or as per the percentage due on the dates specified by the GPSSA, while the insured individual must ensure he/she return their share of payments to the employer.

    32. What consequences do employers face if contributions are not paid to the GPSSA on time?
      1. According to the law, a delay in the employee’s payable contribution entails a daily charge of 0.1% of the due contribution without the need to receive prior warning or notice from the GPSSA.
    33. Is the insured entitled to a pension in case of service termination due to dismissal or removal?

      1. -  Yes, the insured is entitled to a pension provided that the service period reaches 15 years.

        -  The insured is also entitled to a pension in case of service termination based on a disciplinary decision by an employer or court order, under the condition that he/she has at least 15 years in service.

        Please note that 10% of the pension shall be deducted in such cases.


    34. How is the monthly pension is calculated?

      1. Step 1: 

         

        First, calculate the contribution salary.

         

        Government sector: Monthly basic salary, social allowance of an Emirati national, children's allowance, cost of living and housing allowance, given that it does not exceed Dh300,000, which is a minister's contribution salary.


        Private sector: The salary stipulated in the employment contract, including the basic salary, bonuses and regular monthly allowances, with a maximum of Dh50,000.

         

        Step 2:

        Second, calculate the average contribution salary.

        -  Government sector:  Average contribution salary for the last three (3) years of service - i.e. total contribution calculation salary throughout the entire three (3) years divided by 36.


        -  Private sector:  Average contribution salary for the last five (5) years of service - i.e. total contribution calculation salary throughout the entire five (5) years divided by 60.

         

        Step 3:

        Understand the pension entitlement rates compared to years of service and/or employment.

        Years of service 1520253035
        Amount due 60%70%80%90%100%

         

         

        Please note:

        The retirement pension increases by 2% yearly given that the insured's employment duration exceeded 15 years with a maximum limit set at 100% of the contribution account salary, given that the insured individual has completed 35 years of employment service.

         

        Step 4:

        Extract the value of your retirement pension by multiplying the average contribution salary by the percentage of your employment service period.

        For example:

        If the average contribution salary of an employee is Dh15,000 and his/her service period was 20 years, the retirement pension is calculated as follows:

        Dh15,000 X 70% = Dh10,500 (pension).


    35. Is an insured individual who suffers from a work injury entitled to a pension?
      1. An insured individual is entitled to a pension if his/her work injury resulted in total disability or death, regardless of the length of service.
    36. What is the salary by which the end-of-service reward is calculated?

      1. It is calculated on the same pension calculation salary.

        Here's an example:

        Fatima, an insured individual, has worked for 11 years in government authority. The contribution salary for calculating her pension was Dh20,000 in the last three years of her service.

        How is Fatima's end-of-service gratuity calculated?
        1.5 x 20,000 x 5 = Dh150,000
        2 x 20,000 x 5 = Dh200,000
        3 x 20,000 x 1 = Dh60,000
        Total compensation payable = Dh410,000

    37. Who is entitled to receive the retirement pension after the death of its owner?
      1. A retirement pension is transferred to the eligible heirs, and their pension shares are distributed amongst them in accordance with the provisions of the law.
    38. Are there any exceptions, which allow a retired individual or beneficiary to combine his/her pension and work salary unlimitedly?
      1. Pension and work salary can be combined under the below conditions:

        -  If the individual has retired from a job 25 years ago or more, and provided that his/her employment service was not subject to termination due to dismissal, removal, disciplinary action, or court judgment.

        -  He/she may receive a pension according to years of employment by which he/she is entitled to a pension fund from an authority other than GPSSA.

        -  If he/she was entitled to a pension fund for an expired employment period prior to the establishment of GPSSA’s law. 

        -  A widow may combine her share of her husband’s pension with her work salary or pension in her personal capacity.


    39. How many years of legal service can be requested to be purchased, and what are the terms of purchase?

      1. A service period, which may be purchased, is ten (10) years for a female insured individual and five (5) years for a male insured individual.

    40. What happens if an insured individual or pensioner loses his/her UAE nationality?
      1. In this case, the individual is deprived of his/her pension for life.
    41. Who exactly is eligible to receive a pension plan by GPSSA?

      1. ​GPSSA was established in accordance with Federal Law No. 6 for the year 1999 to apply pension and retirement benefits to Emiratis working in federal and local governments, and private sectors across the UAE, with exception to individuals working in the government and private sectors in Abu Dhabi, as well as in the government sector of Sharjah.

    42. What are the conditions around merging employment years?

      1. -  Submit the required application to the GPSSA before the end-of-service period. 

        -  Ensure your years of service required to be added have not expired due to any reason, in order to avoid being deprived from receiving the pension or end-of-service fund.

        -  Make sure the time frame you spent in a job is clearly specified. Avoid including temporary or freelance work (i.e. daily wages and training periods should not be included).

    43. Does a child’s social allowance get disbursed if the pensioner has a newborn after retirement?

      1. Children's social allowance is disbursed to the employee while in service.

        The answer is no, it is not disbursed if the pensioner has a newborn after retirement.

    44. What does an allocated pension mean?

      1. An allocated pension is the pension that the individual is entitled to, also known as an eligible or designated pension from a certain date. 
    45. I am now 47 years old and served for 20 years. Am I entitled to a pension directly after submitting my resignation?
      1. Started from 28/2/2017, individuals entitled to a pension upon resignation are those who reached 50 years old with 20 years of service. If the person resigned while he/she was below that age and served for 20 years, the pension will not be disbursed until the individual reaches the required age. 
    46. What kind of pension benefits do I get if I work for a longer period of time?
      1. The longer the service period, the higher the retirement pension, it may even reach 100 percent of the pension salary after a period of 35 years of service. 
        If the service period is longer, the extra period will be compensated by a salary of three months for each year, in addition to the retirement pension.
    47. What are the benefits of contribution in GPSSA's Social Security System?

      1. The contribution in social security provides Emiratis with many benefits in return to contributions paid by employers and deducted from an employee’s salary. These benefits include a retirement pension or a one-time bonus for service termination for any reason.
    48. Personal leave to accompany a spouse for study purposes or if that spouse is a diplomat.

      1. Government sector: The employer is mandated to pay full contributions due from the insured in cases where he/she is accompanying a spouse for study leave purposes or if that spouse is a diplomat.

        Private sector: The insured bears the full percentage of contributions on behalf of both the employer and him/herself.


    49. What are the conditions of pension entitlement for an insured whose service is terminated due to health reasons?

      1. -  The insured is entitled to a pension given that medical evidence from a public hospital is submitted to GPSSA’s Medical Committee no more than (6) six months from the day the insured was terminated.  

        -  The Medical Committee was formed by the UAE Ministry of Health with a task to ensure that the submitted medical diagnoses correlates with the provisions of the pension and social security law.

        -  Medical reasons for the termination could be either due to a total disability or a health-related condition that resulted in the individual being unfit to work.

        -  No particular service period is required for the pension entitlement in such cases where the insured’s contribution to the GPSSA is sufficient.

        -  Rate of disability or non-fitness is based on a decision made by the Medical Committee.

    50. How is the pension rate calculated in case of work-related injuries resulting in total disability or death?
      1. If an insured individual has been exposed to a work-related injury or death, regardless of the number of years spent working in the same entity, he/she is entitled to receive 100 percent of the average pension calculation salary, as if he/she completed 35 years of employment service.
        Please note however, that a decision needs to be granted by GPSSA’s Medical Committee, who determine the final rate of disability.

    51. If an insured individual’s service comes to an end during the month, will his/her payment for the next month be calculated?
      1. The insured individual is entitled to receiving payment for the full month. 
        The law states that a service period not less than one year is required in order to receive end-of-service gratuity, therefore, if the insured individual completes 11 months and one day in his/her entity, he/she is entitled to receive benefits worth one year.

    52. What are the conditions around a widow’s entitlement to a share in her husband’s pension and when does this share discontinue?

      1. -  A widow is entitled to her share of the pension if her marital relationship continues until her husband passes away.

        -  A widow's pension discontinues if she re-marries.

    53. If a retired person returns to work in an entity affiliated with the GPSSA and contributes again, is he/she permitted to receive a retirement pension for the subsequent period of service?
      1. Yes, he/she may be given another pension if the relevant entitlement conditions are met, but he/she cannot combine two pensions from the GPSSA. Instead, he/she receives a pension with the larger amount. 
    54. Is pension or gratuity subject to deduction or seizure?
      1. Yes, seizure may be applied according to the following conditions: - 
        The seizure shall be in payment of alimentary debt decided by the court. The seizure shall be in payment of government debt for reasons related to work or to recover amounts paid to the insured unreasonably during his/her service. The rate of the seizure should not exceed a quarter (¼) of the pension or gratuity.
    55. Who is responsible for registering Emirati employees in GPSSA’s records?
      1. As per the pension law, employers are responsible for registering Emirati employees at the GPSSA and must pay contributions based on their salaries.
        In this context, it is of paramount importance for UAE nationals to be fully aware of GPSSA’s registration requirements the minute they are employed at a particular entity, and to immediately alert and report the case to GPSSA under the condition that their employer has not registered them or refuses to cooperate.

    56. What are the criterions for employers to be subject to the Federal Pensions Law when there are multiple headquarters and branches?

      1. ​Multinational private companies with headquarters in Abu Dhabi, such as Citibank, are subject to the federal pension law, i.e. they should be registered with GPSSA alongside their other branches across the UAE (including Abu Dhabi), and are subject to this Law.

        Local entities with headquarters in Abu Dhabi and branches all over UAE are subject to the Abu Dhabi pension law, e.g. First Abu Dhabi Bank.


    57. What happens to an employee whose been newly recruited in the private sector after the month of January? How are his/her contributions calculated in such case?

      1. ​If the eligible insured individual joins his/her entity/company after the month of January, the Contribution Calculation Salary of the starting month shall serve as the basis of contribution payments until the following January.

    58. What are the violations incurred by an employer in the event of non-payment of contributions on behalf of its employees, or if the contributions paid out were not accurate wages?

      1. The employer in this case is mandated to pay an additional amount at the rate of 10% of the value of the contributions due without the need to receive prior warning or notice from the GPSSA.

    59. What are the periods of service that can be included in my pension scheme?
        1. ​Previous employment years in the government sector.
        2. Previous employment years in specialized departments that apply retirement schemes.
        3. Duration or time served in the military service.
        4. Previous service period with any employer to whom the provisions of the law apply.
        5. Previous employment years prior to acquiring the UAE nationality/passport.
        6. Previous service period in the Development Council or in the Kuwait office.
        7. Previous service period in any entity approved by the Board of Directors.


    60. What are the conditions for purchasing the nominal service period?

      1. -  ​Submit the purchase order before the end-of-service.

        -  The service period at the time of purchase is 20 years.

    61. What is meant by the government sector and the private sector?
      1. The Government sector: Ministries, public institutions, agencies, companies, and banks by which the federal government owns shares, as well as government authorities (governments in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah).
        The Private sector: Each natural or juridical person (sole proprietorship, office, company) employing Emirati nationals wherein the federal government is not a shareholder.


    62. Study leave without salary or pay.

      1. Government sector: Both the insured and the employer bear their share of contributions.

        Private sector: The insured bears the full percentage of contributions on behalf of the employer and him/herself.

    63. What are the eligibility conditions in case an insured individual resigns from service?
      1. -  Insured individuals are granted an end-of-service gratuity for a period exceeding one year, up to 19 years and 11 months.
        -  The insured is granted a pension in the event of his/her resignation when the service period reaches 20 years (19 years, 11 months and 1 day).
        -  For the pension to be paid in case of a resignation, the service period must have reached 20 years and the insured individual must have reached the age of 50.
    64. Are there any other benefits other than the average pension calculation salary in case an insured is proven to have a work-related injury resulting in total disability or death?
      1. A compensation worth Dh75,000 is given to an insured individual who suffers total disability due to a work injury, or to the insured’s heirs in case of death.
    65. Is the husband entitled to a share in his deceased wife's pension?

      1. A husband is entitled to a share given that he suffers from some sort of disability that prevents him from earning a living.  The medical committee must authorize and approve his disability prior to entitling him to receive a share from his deceased wife’s pension. 

    66. What are the applicable conditions around an Emirati employee who was entitled to receive a pension fund from the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund and then joined another entity affiliated with the GPSSA (who offer a different pension scheme)?
      1. Both pensions may be combined and vice versa.
    67. What happens to a pensioner who’s been terminated due to a disciplinary decision by his/her employer in case of death?
      1. If a pensioner dies, the full pension is distributed to his/her beneficiaries, without any deductions from the actual pension whatsoever. 
        To reconfirm, the quarter deduction rule in cases where the terminated pensioner is still alive does not apply to the pensioner’s beneficiaries if he/she passes away.
    68. Can I choose between receiving a pension salary or an end-of-service gratuity?
      1. Employees eligible for a pension cannot replace it with an end-of-service gratuity. 
        The ultimate purpose behind the pension law is to protect individuals from any risks during their service period and to secure periodical income for them and their families through a secure end-of-service scheme.

    69. If a widow who is eligible for a share in her husband’s pension passes away, who does her share go to?

      1. If a widow passes away or gets re-married after being eligible to a share in her husband's pension, her share is equally divided amongst her sons and daughters eligible for a pension. If she doesn’t have any children, her share is equally divided amongst other widows present at the time of death. If there aren’t any widows at the time of death, the share is returned to GPSSA. 
    70. What are the documents and registration requirements needed for Emirati employees to start the contribution process and become insured individuals?

      1. ​1- To have the UAE nationality.
        2- He/she must be at least 18 years old and not more than sixty.
        3- To be medically fit to work upon appointment.
        4- To work for an entity/company that meets the conditions subject to the provisions of the Federal Pensions Law.
        5- Not to be covered by a pension fund affiliated with the military or the Ministry of Interior.

    71. Who is responsible to contribute each month in the event of a vacation?

      1. ​The employer under any given condition must continue to pay the monthly contributions in full based on the percentage due on the dates specified by GPSSA. Subsequently the insured individual must ensure he/she pay their share to the employer. 

        In cases where the insured is unable to pay their share to the employer, GPSSA deducts the amount paid from the insured’s end-of-service reward to return it to the employer.

    72. Who bears the cost of reimbursement?

      1. ​The insured bears the cost of payment, including the 20% which represents his/her share of the contributions due on his/her behalf and on behalf of the employer, in all the periods that he/she can add.

    73. What is the equivalent of purchasing the nominal service period?

      1. ​Payment of purchase cost at the rate of 20 percent of the contribution calculation salary on the date of purchase multiplied by the service period requested to be purchased in months.

    74. What is meant by the insured?
      1. A male or female Emirati between 18 to 60 years old who is insured by the General Pension and Social Security Authority and enjoys pension and gratuity (benefits) based on the provisions of the pension and social security law.
    75. Is there a document required to prove that the Emirati employee has been registered with the GPSSA?
      1. Yes. The GPSSA issues an insurance number to the employee upon completion of his/her registration by the employer. 
        The employee should inform and confirm with his/her employer that the registration process has been successfully completed within one month from the joining date.
    76. Sick leave

      1. The insured individual must pay his/her share based on the actual salary received and the employer is mandated to pay their share for the full contribution account salary, whether the leave is paid or unpaid.

    77. Describe the conditions around a son's entitlement to his deceased father or mother's share in pension.
      1. The son receives a share of the pension upon his parent’s death given that he is less than 21 years old and unemployed, otherwise the pension is redistributed equally (all children will get the same rate if unemployed and under 21 years old).
        Exceptions:
        A son who’s aged 21 or over will receive his share in pension, given the below conditions:
        1. He will receive his parents share if he’s still studying, up until he finds a job or turns 28 years old.
        2. In case he is disabled and cannot work. His disability must be authorized by GPSSA’s medical committee.  


    78. If a pensioner dies after being deprived from the pension due to losing his/her UAE nationality, what is the fate of his/her beneficiaries?

      1. If the beneficiaries are UAE nationals, they receive full shares of the pension.
        If they do not hold the UAE nationality or if it has been withdrawn from them, they receive half of the shares.

    79. Can a medical report issued by a specialized medical committee in the UAE be considered proof regarding partial or total disability?
      1. As per pension and social security law, a reliable healthcare provider licensed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention is the mandated body to issue medical certificates and must comply with the provisions of the law around medically unfit cases with partial or total disability.
    80. Am I required to pay my due contributions of 5% retroactively as a result of not being registered with the GPSSA by my employer?
      1. Yes, if a previously specified period of time has elapsed in the workplace, employees and employers shall pay contributions for the previous service periods.
    81. What happens if the insured resigns after 20 years of service before reaching the age of 50?

      1. ​In this case, the retirement pension is linked until the insured meets the specified age requirement.

        The retirement pension is disbursed once the insured reaches the required age, noting that the pension is not disbursed to the insured individual retroactively, but from the moment he/she turns 50 years of age. 


    82. How is the cost of addition of previous years calculated?

      1. ​Pay for the cost of merging both service periods (which amounts to 20 percent of the contribution calculation salary) on the date of submitting the additional application

    83. How do you pay the cost of purchasing the nominal service period?

      1. It can be paid in one lot, or in installments as follows:

        -  Via first cash payment equal to 50 percent of the total purchase cost.

        -  The rest of the purchase cost is paid in monthly installments no less than a quarter of the monthly salary provided that the installment period does not exceed four years, or the date by which the insured turns 60 years old, whichever comes earlier.

        -  The insured must submit an acknowledgment to deduct purchase cost installments from his/her monthly salary until full payment is made and a release from the GPSSA is granted. 

        -  If the insured individual’s service ends without payment of the total purchase cost, the purchased period is calculated against the amounts already paid.

        -  The remaining installments of the purchase cost shall continue to be paid by deducting it from the pension of the insured individual’s beneficiaries in the event that the service of the insured ends by death before it is paid in full.

    84. Is a retired individual who returns to work in an entity associated with the GPSSA held accountable at the end of his/her service period on the basis of previous and subsequent periods of service?

      1. ​Yes, he/she can add his/her previous service period for which he/she received pension, to his/her new service period according to the following conditions:

        -  Submit an additional application within one year from the date by which he/she returned to work.
        -  His/her age should not be more than 55 years upon returning to work.
        -  The period, which may be added, includes the actual service period and the nominal service period purchased.
        -  The entire service period is to be added.
        -  Pension payment shall be discontinued from the date of returning to work, with the exception to those who may combine their pension and salary.
        -  Payment of purchase cost at the rate of 20 percent x the difference between the pension calculation salary and the contribution calculation salary on the date of submitting the application x the combined service period added in months.
        -  The joining cost shall be paid in one lot or in installments not less than quarter of the contribution calculation salary provided that the installment period does not extend beyond the date of the insured service period or the date by which the insured turns 60 years old, whichever comes first.
        -  The previous service period during which the insured received a pension is to be added without the additional cost of the contribution calculation salary on the date of submitting the additional application, which is equal to or less than the amount of the previous pension.


    85. What are the obligations of the insured after registration with the Authority?
      1. The insured must pay five (5%) percent of his/her Contribution Calculation Salary on a monthly basis. The employer deducts the amount on monthly basis from the employee’s salary and transfers it to GPSSA.
    86. How are contributions calculated for part of the month at the beginning and end-of-service?
      1. Contributions are paid to the GPSSA in the private sector for the entire month by which the service begins and are not due for the part of the month by which it ends.
    87. What are the conditions of a brother’s entitlement to a share in the pension of the deceased?

      1. The same conditions for a son apply given that there is evidence that the brother/sister was dependent on the deceased when alive. The share will be discontinued as applicable.

    88. How is the additional cost for merging service periods paid? Can it be settled through installments to the GPSSA?
      1. The amount can be paid all at once (or) can be paid in installments as follows: 
        -  Via a cash payment equal to the amount of the end-of-service gratuity for the period requested. The value of the award is then deducted from the total cost. 
        -  The remaining joining cost is to be paid in monthly installments not less than a quarter of the insured’s monthly salary, provided that the installment period does not exceed four years or the insured is not over 60 years old, whichever comes first.
        -  The insured individual submits an acknowledgment to the GPSSA to deduct the registration payment from his monthly salary until full payment and a clearance is obtained by the GPSSA.
        -  If the service of the insured ends without paying the full amount, the additional period is calculated in proportion to the amounts already paid.
        -  The insured’s requirement to pay registration fees is forfeited in the event of termination of his/her service due to death, given that he/she has paid 50 percent of the remaining amount. 


    89. Why should I always pay attention to obtaining exit permits for my official working hours?
      1. As per the pension law, if an employee gets into an accident while travelling to and from work or during working hours, or is involved in any work-related injury or accident, this then entails an official investigation and report conducted by the concerned authority to release the required pension benefit to the affected insurer or his/her heirs.
    90. Can an insured person who has not reached the age of 50 and has an employment service period of 20 years choose to disburse his/her pension or end-of-service?

      1. ​It is not permissible for the insured person to do so under any condition, since the employment years of service are what determines whether he/she is entitled to a pension or benefit.

        If the pension is linked to reaching the age of 50, the insured individual is still not permitted to receive his/her pension or end-of-service benefit.


    91. What is meant by the Contribution Calculation Salary by which contributions are deducted?

      1. In the government sector: Basic monthly salary, social allowance of a UAE national, children allowance, cost of living allowance, and housing allowance.

        In the private sector: The salary stipulated in the employment contract including the basic salary, bonuses, as well as regular monthly allowances with a maximum of Dh50,000.

    92. What are pension entitlement conditions in case the insured is deceased?

      1. -  In this case, the law did not stipulate a specific service period for the pension entitlement, as it is sufficient for the insured to be registered and contribute with the GPSSA. 

        Accordingly, the deceased insured’s pension is entitled in this case and distributed amongst the eligible heirs based on the entitlement conditions for each one of them.
        -  In addition to the pension, a death compensation of Dh60,000 is paid to the heirs.

    93. When does disbursement of the pension as a result of a work-related injury begin?
      1. Disbursement of the pension because of a work-related injury starts from the day following the date of termination of service due to death or termination of service with total disability. 
    94. Is a daughter entitled to a share in the deceased’s pension? Are those shares discontinued?
      1. A daughter is entitled to a share in the deceased’s pension provided she is not married.
        Her share discontinues under the following conditions: 

        -  Marriage

        -  Joining work or practicing a career

        Her share may be restored under the following conditions: 
        -  Divorce: Provided that there is no other pension or salary                 
        -  Widowhood: Provided that there is no other pension or salary



    95. Is it possible to add a previous service period to a new service period after retirement?

      1. If the Emirati employee meets the criteria as per the pension law, i.e. age is under 60, he/she is eligible to work and has joined an entity affiliated with the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) and/or the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund (ADPF), he/she may merge their previous and current service periods.
    96. What are the periods of service included in the contribution?
      1. -  ​Periods of service with an employer (government sector) or (private sector) are covered by the pension law.
        -  All leaves or secondments are included within the contribution period.

    97. What is the minimum retirement pension rate disbursed by the General Pension and Social Security Authority?
      1. The minimum retirement pension amount disbursed by the GPSSA is Dh10,000 since 1/1/2012.
    98. What benefits does the pension law grant to the insured if the work-related injury results in partial disability?

      1. The insured is entitled to a compensation amount depending on the severity of his/her work injury and/or disability.

        Example:
        If an insured person suffered a work injury, which resulted in amputating his/her finger and the medical committee categorized the injury as a partial disability, the insured individual receives an approximate rate of 40%.

        In this case, the insured is entitled to a compensation amount for a partial disability according to the following equation:
        40% x Dh75,000 = Dh30,000

    99. What are the conditions of a sister's entitlement to a share in the pension?
      1. -  The same conditions apply for a daughter, given that evidence is provided that she is dependent on the deceased. 
        -  Her share will be discontinued if she becomes employed or gets married.


    100. Is it mandatory to add all previous service periods?

      1. Adding previous service periods is an optional right for the employee (insured individual), thus he/she can add the service period or start over in a new job. The insurer can choose a service period to be added in case he/she works for many employers and can include a part of a single service period.

    101. What are the service periods that are not included in the contribution account?
      1. -  ​Periods of unpaid work or interrupted days by which the insured individual is deprived from his/her salary.
        -  Previous service periods by which the insured individual was deprived from receiving his/her pension due to a disciplinary decision or a court ruling.
        -  Service periods that may not be merged.

    102. Which salary upon which contributions are calculated?

      1. Government sector: Contributions are paid based on the actual contribution calculation salary each month.

        Private sector: Contribution amounts in the private sector are calculated at the beginning of each January without taking into consideration any increase in the employee's salary during that year, unless the increase has taken place retroactively from the beginning of January of that same year.


    103. What is the maximum pension limit ?
      1. The maximum pension limit is 100% of the pension calculation salary and becomes payable after 35 years.
    104. What are the entitlement conditions around a deceased son’s pension for both his father and mother?
      1. The father receives a share of the pension if he was dependent on the deceased when alive.
        The mother receives a share of her son’s pension gives the following conditions:
        -  If she is a widow
        -  If she is divorced
        -  If her husband has no pension or salary



    105. Is it possible to add a previous service period that’s less than one year?

      1. A service period of less than one year can be added, provided related costs are settled. 
    106. If I recover from a state of total disability for which I am entitled to a pension, and now want to return to work, what should I do about the pension?

      1. If the pensioner who has received a pension as a result of total disability returns to work, his/her total disability pension will be stopped, and he/she will be covered by the pension law once again as an insured individual.