What Happens When A TSC Teacher Dies? [All You Need To Know]

Losing a loved one is a difficult experience, and understanding the procedures and benefits available when a teacher employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) passes away can be overwhelming.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this challenging time.

Death Gratuity and Dependants Pension

The dependants of a teacher who dies in service are entitled to Death Gratuity and Dependants Pension if the teacher was serving on Permanent and Pensionable terms and was confirmed in the service.

Death Gratuity Payment Process:

The deceased teacher’s name is removed from the payroll, and any overpayment is recovered if applicable.
The next-of-kin should submit the original death certificate and a letter by the area chief identifying the next-of-kin and dependants.
The next of kin will settle any overpayment if necessary.
The claim is forwarded to the Director of Pensions for payment.

Note: In case of a dispute, the parties involved are referred to the Deputy County Commissioner for arbitration.

The dependants may also seek legal redress from a court of law.

Dependants Pension:

Pension is paid to the deceased dependants who are aged below 18 years for a period of 5 years.

Killed While On Duty

This is a pension paid to dependants when a teacher is killed while on duty.

The benefit is payable to the spouse and/or dependants of a teacher who dies as a result of injuries in the actual discharge of duty and without his/her own intention.

Note: Retirees/next of kin are informed when the claims are forwarded to the treasury for payment.

How Much Is Death Gratuity?

Death Gratuity is paid to the legal personal representative of a deceased officer.

It is assessed as normal pension but what is payable is the commuted pension gratuity or two years basic salary, whichever is greater.

How Do I Claim TSC Death Gratuity?

Follow these steps to claim Death Gratuity:

The deceased teacher’s name is removed from the payroll, and any overpayment is recovered if applicable.
The next-of-kin should submit the original death certificate and a letter by the area chief identifying the next-of-kin and dependants.
The next of kin will settle any overpayment if necessary.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but knowing the procedures and benefits available can help ease the financial burden during such a difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What benefits are available to the dependants of a TSC teacher who dies in service?

A: The dependants are entitled to Death Gratuity and Dependants Pension if the teacher was serving on Permanent and Pensionable terms and was confirmed in the service.

Q: How is Death Gratuity paid?

A: Death Gratuity is paid to the legal personal representative of a deceased officer.

It is assessed as normal pension but what is payable is the commuted pension gratuity or two years basic salary, whichever is greater.

Q: What should the next-of-kin do to claim Death Gratuity?

A: The next-of-kin should submit the original death certificate and a letter by the area chief identifying the next-of-kin and dependants, and settle any overpayment if necessary.

Q: What happens if there is a dispute regarding the Death Gratuity claim?

A: In case of a dispute, the parties involved are referred to the Deputy County Commissioner for arbitration.

The dependants may also seek legal redress from a court of law.

Q: Is there any special pension for dependants if the teacher is killed while on duty?

A: Yes, there is a special pension payable to the spouse and/or dependants of a teacher who dies as a result of injuries in the actual discharge of duty and without his/her own intention.