Rwanda-RSSB: increase in old age pension

The Rwanda Social Security Service (RSSB) has just announced a significant increase in the amount of old age pensions for retirees. According to RSSB, these changes come into effect immediately with this January 2025.

A RSSB press release released on January 24, 2025 revealed changes that will increase the money received by retirees as old-age pension.

According to the statement, RSSB beneficiaries in each eligible category will receive additional fees, with emphasis on the less fortunate.

The minimum pension amount is 33,710 Frws, whereas it was already 13,000 Frws.

RSSB announced that the basic amount of pensions and work accidents has been increased significantly. Thus, the minimum pension amount is 33,710 Frws, while it was already 13,000 Frws.

The RSSB gave a sample example of this increase.

Those who received the minimum of 13,000 Frws will now receive 33,710 Frws. Those who received 20,000 Frws will receive 47,710 Frws. Those who received 50,000 Frws will receive 92,710 Frws. Those who received 100,000 Frws will receive 155,210 Frws. Those who received 500,000 Frws will receive 580,000 Frws, while those who received at least 1,000,000 Frws will now receive 1,095,210 Frws.

The Council of Ministers, held on January 17, 2025 under the leadership of Head of State Paul Kagame, had approved the presidential decree increasing the amount of pensions and work accident benefits paid by the Rwanda Social Security Service (RSSB).

It was announced that from January 2025 the contribution of employees to the old-age pension would be doubled,

Other measures had been taken previously in this area for the organisation of the social security system.

In a press conference held on December 2, 2024, the Rwanda Social Security Service (RSSB) announced that from January 2025, the employee contribution to the old-age pension will be doubled from 3% to 6%. The employer will also contribute an equivalent amount, bringing the total contribution to 12%.

As explained, this measure, already in force since January 2025, aims to improve the quality of life of retirees. The old-age pension is paid at the age of 60 when the applicant has worked for at least 15 years.

RSSB reports that currently in Rwanda, more than 60,000 people receive pension every month.

The applicant may also be eligible for an early pension before reaching the age of 60 if his physical capacity has declined and a doctor approves it.

There is also a non-work-related disability pension for people who have lost a member of the social security system.

For the widower’s pension, the widow or widower receives 50% of what the plan holder received during his or her lifetime. A child who still has one parent receives 25%, while a child who is orphaned by both parents receives 50%.

RSSB reports that currently in Rwanda, more than 60,000 people receive pension every month.