Social Security Regulatory Authority (SSRA) is setting up new rules and regulations aimed at improving benefits for their members, the Authority Director General, Ms Irene Isaka has revealed.

The SSRA Director General, Ms Irene Isaka

Ms Isaka further said that the rules and regulations would also guide the authority on how to help or deal with members claiming withdrawal of benefits when quitting their jobs.

“The regulations will be discussed by stakeholders including workers unions and employers to get their views on how to improve our members’ benefits. We will also discuss and get views on withdrawal benefits,” she said.

The withdrawal benefits were cancelled after the amendment and approval of laws guiding social securities. The new laws were approved by the National Assembly on April 13, 2012.

According to the laws, members will not be given or withdraw their benefits when they quit their jobs and will remain members of their respective funds until the retirement age of 55 or 60 years. The DG said that the move comes after workers from the Tanzania Mine and Construction Workers Union (TAMICO) demanded withdrawal of benefits, a move that is against the laws.

“Since the amended laws have been approved and signed, benefits withdrawal cannot be provided,” she noted. She said workers quitting their jobs or leaving their companies will be required to continue being members of respective social security firms.

On the other hand, Ms Isaka said that the authority is also looking on keeping membership of workers who opt to work outside the country such as East African countries. Meanwhile, Parastatal Pensions Fund (PPF) will start giving houses on loans to its members. According to the director general, Mr William Erio, the aim is to improve their benefits.

He said the plan to be implemented soon follows the new laws aimed at improving members’ benefits. Apart from that, discussions are underway with the government to start issuing houses on loans to public servants too,” he added.

By ANNE ROBI, Tanzania Daily News