emirates7 - As part of its forward-looking strategy to ensure a dignified standard of living and provide a comprehensive social safety net, the Sharjah Social Security Fund (SSSF) has announced that eligible employees can now benefit from the option to purchase a notional service period, in accordance with Law No. (5) of 2018 concerning social security in the Emirate of Sharjah.
This initiative is designed to strengthen future financial stability by increasing pension value, serving as a key tool in expanding social protection coverage. Through this service, insured individuals who have completed 20 years of actual contributions can buy additional notional service years—up to five years for men and ten for women—which will be added to their service record to enhance their retirement pension.
The Fund clarified that a notional period refers to time not physically spent in employment but eligible for purchase to boost pension benefits. To do so, the insured must have completed 20 actual contribution years and must pay 20% of their contribution salary for each additional year they wish to acquire.
Mohammed Obaid Al Shamsi, Director-General of SSSF, highlighted the strategic value of this service, calling it an important opportunity for insured members to improve their retirement pensions. He reiterated that the initiative reflects the Fund’s commitment to financial security and a decent post-retirement life for citizens.
Regarding payment, Al Shamsi noted that the Fund offers flexible options. Insured individuals can make an initial lump-sum payment covering at least 50% of the total cost, with the remaining amount payable in installments—provided full payment is completed before retirement, and not later than age 60 for men and 55 for women.
He further stressed that this initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to establish a strong and reliable social security system that ensures stability and peace of mind for citizens and their families, while promoting sustainable development and long-term planning.
Al Shamsi emphasized that SSSF is committed to empowering insured individuals with practical options that support informed retirement planning. This initiative also fosters financial awareness and encourages proactive savings, allowing members to maximize their legal entitlements for themselves and their dependents.
These efforts, he added, are part of the Fund’s broader mission to improve the overall well-being of citizens and to help a more united and prosperous society by implementing effective income protection strategies, in line with Sharjah’s humanitarian and developmental values.
This initiative is designed to strengthen future financial stability by increasing pension value, serving as a key tool in expanding social protection coverage. Through this service, insured individuals who have completed 20 years of actual contributions can buy additional notional service years—up to five years for men and ten for women—which will be added to their service record to enhance their retirement pension.
The Fund clarified that a notional period refers to time not physically spent in employment but eligible for purchase to boost pension benefits. To do so, the insured must have completed 20 actual contribution years and must pay 20% of their contribution salary for each additional year they wish to acquire.
Mohammed Obaid Al Shamsi, Director-General of SSSF, highlighted the strategic value of this service, calling it an important opportunity for insured members to improve their retirement pensions. He reiterated that the initiative reflects the Fund’s commitment to financial security and a decent post-retirement life for citizens.
Regarding payment, Al Shamsi noted that the Fund offers flexible options. Insured individuals can make an initial lump-sum payment covering at least 50% of the total cost, with the remaining amount payable in installments—provided full payment is completed before retirement, and not later than age 60 for men and 55 for women.
He further stressed that this initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to establish a strong and reliable social security system that ensures stability and peace of mind for citizens and their families, while promoting sustainable development and long-term planning.
Al Shamsi emphasized that SSSF is committed to empowering insured individuals with practical options that support informed retirement planning. This initiative also fosters financial awareness and encourages proactive savings, allowing members to maximize their legal entitlements for themselves and their dependents.
These efforts, he added, are part of the Fund’s broader mission to improve the overall well-being of citizens and to help a more united and prosperous society by implementing effective income protection strategies, in line with Sharjah’s humanitarian and developmental values.