How long can my child dependant stay on the Scheme?
If your registered dependant was 23 years old or younger on 1 January, he/she is eligible to remain on the Scheme as a child dependant on your membership at the child dependant contribution rate for the current year. After that, the Scheme will inform you of the eligibility of a dependant at age 24 in terms of the Scheme Rules and advise that your dependant’s membership will be terminated in the following year.
According to the Rules of the Scheme, if your child is 24 years or older and dependent on you financially, you may apply for him/her to stay on your membership. You will have to supply the Scheme with specific documents to request continuation of membership for your dependant. Please keep in mind that adult contribution rates will apply should continuation of membership be approved. A letter will be sent to you requesting the necessary documents to assess eligibility. You can also phone 0860 222 633 to talk to us about the Scheme requirements.
Criteria for continued membership for your dependant
- Your child is a full-time student, or earning less than R6 000 (from April R6 250) per month (as per the tax threshold of a person younger than 65 or as a part-time student); in this case the adult contribution rate would apply, or
- Your child is permanently disabled. A special application and consideration by the Board may allow him/her to remain on the Scheme at the child contribution rate.
Bear in mind that your employer might not subsidise contributions for dependants after the age of 21 or 24 (depending on the employer).
It is important to secure membership for your dependant on a medical aid without any break in membership as waiting periods, increased contributions and exclusions might apply if you do not enrol your dependant after termination of membership.