Members can access their RA as a cash lump (net of withdrawal lump sum tax) before age 55 if they:
- Formally emigrate
- Retire early due to ill-health
- The paid-up RA value is less than R7 000
Otherwise, they cannot access their RA before age 55. They can then take a maximum of 1/3rd of their investment as cash (plus any contributions not deducted for tax); with the balance they must purchase a compulsory annuity, which will pay a pension for life. If the benefit is R247,500 or less at retirement they can elect to receive the full benefit as cash.