Factors Influencing Payment of Retirement Benefits in Tanzania; A case of retirees in the Local Council of Masasi District

The study was on factors influencing payment of terminal benefits to retirees in Tanzania. The research was conducted in Masasi District Council. The objectives of the study were; to explore factors influencing payment of terminal benefits to retirees in Masasi, to examine the process for payment of benefits in Social Security Funds in Masasi; and to explore challenges encountered by retirees during waiting for their benefits. The study opted qualitative research design and had 118 participants among retirees and officers who were selected as sample size. Both primary and secondary data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and documentary review. The data collected was analyzed and presented by narrative notes, numerical figures and percentages. Findings from the study revealed that; age of working, benefit formulae and employers’ contributions were among factors influencing payment of terminal benefits to retirees. It was also observed that some retirees were not paid their benefits on time, due to non-submission of correct documents needed for the processing of their benefits. It was concluded that, there are problems which need to be addressed by both employers and Social Security Funds in the country. The study recommended that employers should ensure well kept documents of their employees and should submit them to the relevant fund on time for benefits processing and payment; Managers should improve communication among key stakeholders in respective funds to ensure regular training of officials who deal with pension matters for employees