If you’re a government employee in South Africa and a member of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), there’s a major change you need to know about: from 1 August 2025, the official retirement age will increase from 60 or 65 to 67.
This decision will affect thousands of teachers, nurses, police officers, clerks, and other public servants. Knowing why it’s happening, who it affects, and how it could influence your pension benefits is essential if you’re nearing retirement.
Why the Retirement Age is Rising
The GEPF has made this move to strengthen the fund’s long-term sustainability. With about 1.2 million active members and nearly 500,000 pensioners, the fund faces increasing costs as life expectancy rises.
Key factors influencing the change include:
- People living longer, meaning more years of pension payments
- Inflation and economic uncertainty adding pressure to pension obligations
- Global trends showing many countries increasing their retirement ages
Who is Affected
The new rule applies to all government employees who are GEPF members, retiring after 1 August 2025, and born after 1 August 1958.
Exemptions:
If you retire before 1 August 2025 or were born before 2 August 1958, your retirement age will remain under the old rules.
Avoiding Misinformation
Some rumours claim the retirement age will be 70 or stay at 65. The GEPF has confirmed: the official retirement age is 67 from August 2025. Always check updates directly from GEPF at www.gepf.co.za.
Impact on Pension Benefits
The GEPF is a defined benefit fund, meaning your pension depends on your final salary and years of service. Working until 67 could boost your final payout significantly.
Example: Retiring at 67 instead of 60 adds seven more years of contributions, which can increase both your monthly pension and gratuity lump sum.
To estimate your retirement income, use the GEPF online calculator via the Self-Service portal.
Pension Increases
From 1 April 2025, GEPF pensioners who retired on or before 1 April 2024 will get a 2.9% increase, in line with inflation.
Example: A pension of R10,000 a month will go up by R290.
Early Retirement
You can still retire from age 55 under certain conditions:
- Medical retirement due to ill health
- Retrenchment or restructuring
- Incentive retirement programmes in some provinces
The deadline to apply for early retirement under current rules is 31 October 2025. Keep in mind, retiring early usually means reduced benefits.
How to prepare for the change
- Revisit your retirement plan if you’re over 55
- Increase your savings — even an extra 2% of a R20,000 salary over seven years adds up
- Diversify investments — look at annuities, unit trusts, and property
- Get professional advice to know your best options
- Stay informed — attend GEPF workshops and events
Upcoming GEPF events:
- 22 July 2025 – Pre-Retirement Workshop, Mokopane, Limpopo
- 26 July 2025 – GEPF Day, Nkowankowa
Raising the retirement age to 67 is a big change, but with careful planning it could mean a more secure financial future.
FAQs
When does the GEPF retirement age change take effect?
On 1 August 2025.
What is the new GEPF retirement age?
It will be 67 for public servants.
Who is affected by the change?
Members retiring after 1 August 2025, born after 1 August 1958.
Can I still retire early?
Yes, from age 55 under certain conditions.
What is the 2025 pension increase?
A 2.9% increase from 1 April 2025 for eligible pensioners.
