The Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) Services

Like most countries around the world, Rwanda has a governmental body in charge of social security services. The Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) coordinates Rwanda Medical Insurance Scheme (RAMA) and the Social Security Fund (SSF). Find out how RSSB works and answers to some of the common questions.

‍What is the role of RSSB in Rwanda?

The role of the RSSB is to coordinate and provide high-quality social security services by collecting contributions and savings. It also provides facilitates the prudent investment of members' funds. Lastly, it plays a vital role in the financial and capital market development, i.e., it's a source of funding for proactive investments, it's a shareholder in three banks, and on the Rwanda stock exchange.

What are the benefits of RSSB in Rwanda?

The RSSB runs and coordinates several schemes with several social security benefits for its members. They include:

1. It supports workers with occupational diseases or work injuries through the Occupational Hazard Insurance.
2. Provide support to its beneficiaries  when they're old and incapable of working, thus giving them a decent means of living.
3. Provides medical insurance for public and private employees

Does Rwanda have a pension system?

Yes. The Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) coordinates social services, and pension is part of it. It has over 5 million members enrolled in its pension scheme. Other schemes coordinated by RSSB include health care, maternity leave, and CHBI (a solidarity health insurance system for all Rwandans).

How do I apply for NSSF in Rwanda?

Below are steps for applying/ registering for National Social Security Fund:

Method 1: Physical Application

1. Obtain an application form from any RSSB district branches countrywide. You may also download the document from RSSB's website (http://www.rssb.rw/)
2. Prepare all the required documents—usually a birth certificate and life certificate. However, you provide additional documents while applying for other benefits such as Retirement Pension, Early Retirement Pension, Invalidity Pension, and Survivors Pension.
3. Then submit your application to the board.

Method 2: Online Application

1. Visit the board's website (http://www.csr.gov.rw/) and select "Online Application."
2. Type your RSSB account password to access your account. If you don't have an account with the RSSB, click back to the home page where there is 'employee Registration". It will provide you with a form to fill out and submit. You'll have created an account.
3. Proceed with the application process by clicking "Next."
4. Complete the application and submit it.

Who must register for the NSSF scheme in Rwanda?

All salaried workers, including foreigners working in Rwanda and active political representatives, must register for NSSF. However, independent workers under 45 years who have never been subjected to other mandatory insurance schemes may voluntarily enrol.

How is RSSB calculated?

The RSSB contribution is 15% of the employee's basic salary. It's contributed by both the employer and employee, i.e., 7.5% rates from each party.

How is Rwanda's pension calculated?

30% of the insured's average monthly earnings in the last five years and an additional 2% of average monthly earning every 12 months of contributions exceeding 180 months is the benefit paid for Old-age and Permanent Disability Pensions. Additionally, a 100% lump sum (for old-age settlement only) of the insured average monthly earnings in the last five years is multiplied by the number of years.

Who qualifies for an Old-age pension in Rwanda?

Those at 60 years of age with at least 180 months of contribution and their employment is ceased. Additionally, the same applies if eligible survivors if they are to receive the pension of a deceased.

What is the retirement age in Rwanda?

In Rwanda, early retirement is at 60 years, and late retirement is at 65 years for salaried workers, including foreigners. Workers who have been contributing to RSSB pension are eligible to access their pension at 60 years.

What is the monthly contribution to the maternity leave scheme by RSSB?

RSSB collects 0.6% of an employee's salary with half of the money paid by the employer as a maternity fund.

How do I check my RSSB contribution online?

All you need is to register at @ https://www.rssb.rw/ to access RSSB online services. Upon registration, you can access your contributions from the online portal.

What is RAMA in Rwanda?

RAMA stands for Rwandaise d’Assurance Maldie. It manages medical insurance for employees of the public and private sectors.

What is RSSB's contact?

You can contact RSSB via 4044 (Toll-Free Line) or 5006 (EjoHeza). You may also visit their headquarters at K.N. 3 Rd African Union Boulevard Kiyovu, Nyarungenge. Alternatively, you may send a letter to them through P.O. BOX 250/6655 Kigali-Rwanda. View RSSB's contact from their official site https://www.rssb.rw.