PENSION ARREARS
The Main Collective Agreement provides for the compulsory membership of the HBSI Pension Fund.
In the absence of an exemption, it is a legal requirement that employers submit payment of the required contributions to the Council (on behalf of the Employer and of the Employee, as set out in the Main Collective Agreement and Wage schedules) for payment to the Fund and by the Rules of the Fund.
A failure to pay over contributions as required is not only a contravention of the Pension Fund Act, and a criminal offence, but also potentially leaves employers exposed to legal challenges and liability concerning the impact on other benefits such as risk benefits (e.g. death and serious illness) payable to the members.
The FSCA (Financial Services Conduct Authority) are continuing with their enforcement efforts in this regard and the Council is also continuing with its enforcement of non-compliance with the Main Collective Agreement.
Please urgently attend to any Pension Fund arrears. Should you need assistance in this regard please contact the Designated Agent or Credit Controller in your area or the Council’s offices.
PENSION FUND EXEMPTIONS
We are moving towards the end of the second month of the window period (September to December) within which exemptions from membership of the HBSI Pension Fund are processed each year, for the following calendar year.
Despite continuous reminders and notices to establishments, it appears that numerous establishments which currently have exemptions have not yet applied.
Please note, that both applications and appeals (if any) must be processed within this period. If an exemption is not applied for or granted within the period, an establishment will be required to contribute to the HBSI Fund on behalf of employees and enforcement procedures may follow if not adhered to.
Please complete and submit your applications for the 2025 calendar year (whether making a new application or renewing an existing application) as soon as possible. Current exemptions will automatically expire on 31 December 2024, and invoices will be raised in accordance with the Collective Agreement if your application is not received by the Council on time and/or an exemption is not granted.
The Exemption Application Form is available to download from the website Annexure D or you may request an application form via email from exemption@hcsbc.co.za.
More detailed notes on the application for exemption from the provisions relating to membership of the HBSI can be accessed via the following link Notes on HBSI exemption applications.
PENSION FUND BENEFIT CLAIM FORM
Please note that the Pension Fund Benefit Claim Form has been updated and can be accessed HERE.
Please consult the Council’s WEBSITE for the contact details of Agents in your area.
For more information, contact: www.hcsbc.co.za
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