The lack of information and the inconsistency in the documentation are the main reasons why thousands of Dominican families have not been able to access the pension funds of their deceased relatives. According to the Superintendence of Pensions (SIPEN), unresated funds represent approximately 0.56% of the total assets, which is equivalent to RD $ 8,460 million.
Although there is no deadline to claim these funds, SIPEN and the General Directorate of Information and Defense of Social Security Affiliates (DIDA) have intensified their efforts to inform the population about this benefit. According to official data, there are around 117,000 cases of relatives who have not yet claimed the funds, of which 90,985 correspond to affiliates with an individual capitalization account in an administrator of pension funds (AFP).
An information problem and procedures
The main obstacle to families is the lack of contact data such as directions or updated telephone numbers, which prevents the AFPs from notifying them about the benefit. In addition, the inconsistency in the documents presented to validate the family relationship has also been a factor that has delayed the processes.
To simplify the procedure, AFPs have implemented initiatives such as the provision of lawyer offices that help family members with the elaboration of the act of notoriety at no cost. For its part, SIPEN has modified regulations to eliminate documents and simplify the procedures.
How to claim funds and what documents are needed
Access to pension funds can be given in two ways: as a benefit of survival or as a pension inheritance. The election will depend on the family situation and the requirements that are met in each case.
In the case of a survival pension, direct beneficiaries are the spouse or life partner and the children of the deceased affiliate. On the other hand, if a pension inheritance corresponds, the accumulated balance is delivered to the legal heirs, as established by the inheritance laws.
The basic documents required for both processes are:
- Death certificate of the deceased affiliate.
- Civil Registry Minutes that demonstrate the family bond (marriage certificate or birth certificate).
To facilitate the process, SIPEN has made available to the public a consultation tool on its website where family members can verify if their deceased relative had a pension account and obtain the contact data of the corresponding entity.
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You can also contact the Sipen through their user service center by calling (809) 688-0018, writing to [email protected], scanning virtual appointments at www.sipen.gov.do, or using the rita virtual assistant through WhatsApp al (829) 557-0144.
