Question:
Is it possible for me to cede a paid-up retirement annuity policy to a family member that is currently overseas?
Answer:
Maurice,
This is not allowed by our pension fund law. In terms of S37A of the Pension Funds Act, no benefit provided for in the rules of a registered fund, or right to such benefit may be reduced, transferred or otherwise ceded, or be pledged or hypothecated. This is irrespective of whether the retirement annuity policy is paid-up or not. The main reason for this is that retirement funds are tax-advantaged; these tax advantages (tax breaks) relate to the person saving and cannot therefore (by way of the paid-out benefit) be transferred to another.