GPSSA Clarifies Pension Rights For Insured Emiratis Facing Decease Or Disability

The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has clarified that Emiratis whose employment ends due to death, disability, or illness are eligible for a retirement pension. This applies regardless of their age or length of service. The GPSSA highlighted these rights as part of its "Topic of the Month" initiative in May 2025, focusing on medical retirement provisions.

Under Federal Law No. 7 of 1999, if an insured person dies from a work-related injury or becomes totally disabled, they receive a pension equal to 100% of their pension account salary. Additionally, AED75,000 is distributed to beneficiaries according to Sharia law. For partial disabilities from work injuries, compensation is calculated based on the disability percentage multiplied by AED75,000.

If an individual is deemed medically unfit for work, their pension is determined by either a 15-year contribution period or their actual contribution period, whichever is longer. Upon termination due to death or total disability, three years are added to the service period or until they reach age 60.

For total disabilities not caused by work injuries and with five years of service, the period increases to 15 years. The pension rate is then 60% of the calculation salary. This also applies if retirement results from non-work-related death. If someone with a non-work-related total disability has served for 12 years and three months and is aged 54 at service end, three nominal years are added.

In cases where an insured person has worked for 13 years and reaches age 54 at service end with a non-work-related total disability, three nominal years increase the service period to 16 years. Their pension rate becomes 62%. This rule also applies if retirement results from non-work-related death.

Additional Considerations for Older Employees

For those with an 18-year service period ending in total disability not related to work injuries and aged 58, two additional years are added to complete age 60. This scenario also applies if retirement occurs due to non-work-related death.

These provisions ensure that insured Emiratis receive fair compensation and support when facing significant life challenges such as disability or loss of life unrelated to their employment duties.

With inputs from WAM