How to see pension balance?

Knowing your pension balance in South Africa is essential to managing your long-term future, whether you’re making retirement plans or simply checking in with your finances. Many South Africans, regrettably, are unsure of how to obtain this information, but fear not—it’s not as difficult as you may think.

We’ll go over how to check the balance of your pension or provident fund, what to do if you don’t know who provides the funds, and some pointers for maintaining your retirement planning in this blog article.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Pension Balance

Before diving into the how, let’s talk about the why.

Your pension or retirement fund balance reflects the amount you’ve saved so far — usually through your employer — for life after retirement. Keeping tabs on this helps you:

  • Plan better for retirement

  • Track contributions from you and your employer

  • Spot any discrepancies in payments

  • Make informed decisions about changing jobs, cashing out, or preserving funds

How to Check Your Pension Balance in South Africa

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to see your pension or provident fund balance:

1. Identify Your Fund Provider

Most employees contribute to either a pension fund, provident fund, or retirement annuity. Common providers include:

  • Old Mutual

  • Sanlam

  • Alexander Forbes

  • Liberty Life

  • Momentum

  • Discovery

If you’re not sure which company manages your fund:

  • Check your payslip (the fund name is usually listed there)

  • Ask your HR department

  • Look through your emails or documents from when you started your job

2. Register for Online Access

Once you know your fund provider, go to their official website and sign up for online access. Here are some quick links:

Most platforms will ask for:

  • Your ID number

  • Your email address

  • A policy or membership number (which you can get from HR or your welcome letter)

3. Use Mobile Apps or Customer Portals

Many providers offer mobile apps where you can:

  • View your current pension balance

  • Track monthly contributions

  • See investment performance

  • Update your beneficiary details

For example, Old Mutual has the Old Mutual App, while Momentum clients can use the Momentum App.

4. Contact Customer Support

If online access isn’t working or you’re having trouble finding your details, reach out to the provider’s customer service. They can help you recover login credentials, update contact info, and send you a statement.

What If You’ve Changed Jobs?

If you’ve switched employers over the years, you may have multiple retirement funds. To track down all your retirement savings:

  • Request your IRP5 forms from SARS or previous employers

  • Use the FSCA’s unclaimed benefit search tool: https://www.fsca.co.za/

  • Contact the HR departments of your former employers

Pro Tips for Managing Your Pension in South Africa

  • Check your balance at least once a year

  • Consolidate your retirement savings if you’ve changed jobs

  • Nominate a beneficiary and keep details up to date

  • Speak to a financial advisor about preserving or transferring your funds when changing jobs

  • Avoid cashing out early — you’ll lose out on tax benefits and long-term growth

Final Thoughts

Checking your pension balance in South Africa isn’t just about numbers — it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re 25 or 55, understanding your retirement savings gives you control over your financial future.

Start today. Log in to your fund’s platform, take a look at your balance, and make sure your retirement plan is on track.