Ghana — Help & Advice
Government benefits & financial support after a death (Ghana): SSNIT, public-sector pensions, Workmen’s Compensation, employer payouts, banks/mobile money & insurance
This page helps you answer the most urgent question: where can money and support come from after a death — and how to move each claim to completion using checklists, references, and a follow-up calendar.
Last updated: 14 Feb 2026
Scope boundary (no leaks)
Official starting points (Ghana)
- SSNIT Survivors Lump Sum: ssnit.org.gh (Survivors Benefit)
- NPRA (Tier 2/3 scheme regulator – FAQs): npra.gov.gh (FAQ)
- Workmen’s Compensation Act (PNDCL 187 PDF): melr.gov.gh (Workmen’s Compensation Act)
- Bank of Ghana unclaimed balances portal: bog.gov.gh (Unclaimed Balances)
- Bank of Ghana: dormant e-money & unclaimed balances guidelines (directory): bog.gov.gh (Dormant e-money guidelines)
If you only do 3 things (20-second triage)
Most people are in shock. Do these first, then come back for the deeper lanes.
- Secure phone/email + preserve evidence: protect OTP/alerts/password resets and save statements/screenshots before changes.
- Open employer lane + SSNIT lane (if applicable): get the written checklist and a reference number (or stamped receipt/email acknowledgement) for each.
- Stop leakages + map banks/mobile money + loans: freeze/notify first, stop deductions, then follow the institution’s deceased-customer process.
Official payments only (anti-scam rule)
Money discovery map (one-page scan)
Check every lane that could apply. This reduces missed benefits and repeat trips.
Where money usually comes from (check all that apply)
- Employment: last salary/leave/terminal benefits, staff welfare/union support
- SSNIT: Survivors Lump Sum (if the deceased contributed)
- Public sector: pensions/benefits (scheme-dependent; employer route matters)
- Work-related death: Workmen’s Compensation (evidence + reporting)
Hidden lanes that often get missed
- Tier 2 / Tier 3: occupational schemes (NPRA-regulated where applicable)
- Banks & mobile money: balances + stop leakages + loan status
- Insurance: life, employer-linked, bank add-ons
- Unclaimed balances: Bank of Ghana portal + dormant e-money guidance
Do not mix lanes (avoid artificial delays)
Benefits vs estate (do not confuse)
This distinction prevents unnecessary delays and family conflict.
Key idea (high value, low confusion)
Some benefits (for example SSNIT benefits, Tier 2/3 scheme benefits, and insurance payouts) may follow scheme rules and beneficiary nominations and can move on a different track from estate distribution.
If someone insists “you must finish probate first,” don’t argue — ask for the scheme’s rule for your exact claim and keep it in writing. Estate authority still matters in many cases, but avoid blanket assumptions.
Ask this (verbatim): “For this claim, what authority document do you require from me, and what will you accept if I am not the spouse/child?”
Estate authority and inheritance distribution: legal guide (Ghana).
Time sensitivity (start early, document everything)
Without quoting rigid deadlines: act early and keep everything dated.
Why this matters
Two rules that prevent 80% of delays
- Write it down: every call/visit → note date, office/person, summary, and the reference you were given.
- One clean pack: submit one consistent Master File and request a written missing-item list if more is needed.
First 72 hours (stop losses & lock evidence)
Before you ‘understand everything’: prevent silent losses and reduce disputes.
Real-world risks (common)
- Secure the primary phone/email (OTP, alerts, password resets).
- Preserve evidence: screenshots, statements, email confirmations, call logs.
- Stop recurring deductions where possible (standing orders, subscriptions, card auto-payments, wallet auto-repayments).
- For every submission: insist on acknowledgement (reference number, stamped receipt, or email trail).
Operational stop-loss (do this early)
- If the deceased was employed, notify HR/payroll immediately and ask them to freeze/stop any post-death salary processing and deductions that can continue by default.
- Ask for a final payroll statement showing what was paid and what was withheld after the date of death.
- If any deductions continue, ask: “What is the reversal pathway and what is the reference number for this request?”
Turn chaos into a trackable system
- Appoint one family “coordinator” to speak to employer/banks/insurers/schemes.
- Build one consistent Master File (PDF pack) plus a tracking log: date, channel, officer, reference, missing items, next step, follow-up date.
- Important appointments: bring two people when possible (reduces mistakes).
For the full action checklist, use what to do after a death (Ghana).
Who this guide is for (what you can skip)
A 20-second filter so you don’t get overwhelmed.
This guide is most useful if the deceased had formal employment, SSNIT membership, public-sector history, a workplace accident/occupational cause, Tier 2/3 participation, bank/mobile money accounts, or insurance.
If your case is simple, prioritise just three lanes first: SSNIT lane + employer payouts/documents + bank/mobile money stop-loss.
Who this is NOT for: If the deceased had no employment history, no SSNIT, and no bank/mobile money, focus first on urgent household/community support while you confirm whether any overlooked lanes exist.
Start here (the order that avoids running in circles)
Correct sequence = fewer rejections and fewer repeat trips.
- Build your “identity + death proof” pack: proof of death + your ID + proof of relationship / authority (requirements vary by lane).
- If the person was employed, open employer lanes first: salary/leave/terminal benefits + any employer welfare/cover + payroll freeze request.
- Open the SSNIT Survivors benefit lane (if contributor): request the checklist and get a reference.
- If the death may be work-related, open the Workmen’s Compensation lane early (evidence + reporting matters).
- Stop bank/mobile money leakages and ongoing deductions, then map accounts/loans across institutions.
- Check Tier 2/3 schemes and insurance (HR benefits, statements, older documents).
- If you suspect forgotten/dormant balances, open the unclaimed balances discovery lane.
Anti-stall formula (make this your standard)
30-second filters
Answer these 10 questions and you’ll know most of what to do.
- Was the deceased formally employed at the time of death?
- Is there an SSNIT member number or evidence of contributions?
- Was the person public sector (and which employer/department)?
- Do you know which public-sector scheme/framework applies (ask employer; don’t assume one scheme)?
- Was the death potentially work-related (accident/occupational cause)?
- Is there a primary phone/email with bank or mobile money alerts you can secure?
- Are there standing orders/subscriptions that will keep charging?
- Are there loans that might become overdue (bank, microfinance, digital credit, employer advances)?
- Did the employer mention Tier 2/Tier 3 or a trustee/fund manager/administrator?
- Could there be older/dormant accounts or forgotten funds (BoG unclaimed balances lane)?
Jump to what you need
Pick the right lane — but follow the recommended order for less rework.
Money priority matrix (what to do first)
A simple way to prioritise when you’re overwhelmed.
🔴 Fast & large (open immediately if applicable)
🟡 Medium (important, step-by-step)
🟢 Slower but meaningful (run in parallel)
🔵 Risk reduction (prevents silent losses)
If you’re not the spouse/child (extra authority steps)
A common real-world blocker: siblings, parents, friends, or extended family running claims.
Why this matters
Do this for every institution (copy/paste question)
“I am the claimant and I am not the spouse/child (or I am not the nominated beneficiary). For this claim, what authority document do you require from me, what alternatives do you accept, and what counts as submission? Please confirm in writing.”
Put the institution’s written answer into your Master File. This reduces family conflict and prevents silent “desk refusals”.
SSNIT Survivors Lump Sum (often the biggest lane)
If the deceased contributed to SSNIT, start by getting the official checklist and submitting one clean pack.
For many Ghanaian families, SSNIT is the primary formal benefit lane after a death. Your mission is to avoid “go and come”: request the current checklist, submit once, obtain a reference, and follow up on schedule.
Official reference (start here)
Contacts & where to submit (execution mini-box)
- Submission channel(s): Use SSNIT’s current Survivors benefit instructions; confirm whether submission is at a branch/office/portal and whether the employer must provide any forms.
- Proof of submission: Reference number (or stamped receipt / email acknowledgement). Ask what they issue and insist on it.
- Expected next message: A verification/status update request or a written missing-item list; ask what you should expect next.
- Follow-up cadence: Follow up consistently using your reference; if there is no movement, escalate with your dated timeline and attachments list.
The 6 questions to ask (copy/paste)
- “Please confirm the Survivors benefit checklist for this case in writing.”
- “What forms must we complete, and where do we submit?”
- “What reference number (or receipt/email acknowledgement) will you issue for submission?”
- “What is the expected timeline and how do we check status?”
- “If something is missing, can you issue a written missing-item list?”
- “Do you require probate/letters for this claim, or will another authority document be accepted?”
Official payments only (anti-scam reinforcement)
Public-sector pensions (scheme-dependent) — confirm the route first
Public-sector death benefits are not always one single scheme. Start with the employer’s HR/payroll route and get written confirmation.
Public-sector death cases can involve different schemes/frameworks and employer-issued documents. The fastest way to avoid delay is to first confirm: which employer/department is responsible, which scheme/framework applies, and which office issues the official submission acknowledgement.
Desk-realistic rule (prevents wrong-office loops)
Contacts & where to submit (execution mini-box)
- Submission channel(s): Start with employer HR/admin: confirm which scheme/framework applies, where the file is submitted, and whether employer submits vs claimant submits.
- Proof of submission: Written route confirmation + reference number (or stamped receipt/email acknowledgement) from the receiving office (or employer’s submission proof).
- Expected next message: A case/reference number, missing-item request, or verification step; ask what comes next.
- Follow-up cadence: Follow up consistently using the case/reference number; if stalled, escalate with the written route confirmation and your dated timeline.
Workmen’s Compensation (work-related death)
If the death was work-related, open this lane early and treat evidence as the engine.
If a worker dies due to a work-related accident or occupational cause, Workmen’s Compensation can provide a compensation lane. In practice, the employer is central for reporting and documentation — don’t assume “someone else will do it”.
Official context (Act PDF)
Contacts & where to submit (execution mini-box)
- Submission channel(s): Typically starts via employer reporting + supporting documents; confirm whether the employer submits, where it is submitted, and whether you must also submit anything.
- Proof of submission: Reference number (or stamped receipt/email acknowledgement) + your dated evidence pack list.
- Expected next message: A request for more documents, a verification step, or an inquiry; ask what you should expect next.
- Follow-up cadence: Follow up consistently using the reference; if employer delays, document requests in writing and escalate formally with dates and attachments.
What to do immediately (systematic)
- Ask the employer: “What is the official reporting and claim pathway for this death case?”
- Preserve evidence: incident report, medical documentation, witnesses, photos, dates/times.
- Get a reference/acknowledgement and a follow-up date.
- Keep this lane separate from SSNIT/public sector/Tier 2/3/insurance/estate lanes.
Official payments only (anti-scam reinforcement)
Tier 2 / Tier 3 schemes (NPRA-regulated, where applicable)
If the deceased had an occupational pension or personal Tier 3, treat it as a separate lane with its own nomination and checklist.
Beyond SSNIT and employer payouts, some workers are covered by Tier 2 occupational schemes and/or Tier 3 personal pensions. These are often governed by scheme rules and beneficiary nominations. Your goal: identify the trustee/fund manager/administrator, obtain the claim checklist in writing, submit one pack, and track by reference.
Official context (NPRA)
How to detect Tier 2/3 (fast, desk-realistic)
- Check payslips for non-SSNIT pension deductions or employer pension lines.
- Search for statements/emails: “trustee”, “fund manager”, “administrator”, “scheme”, “pension”.
- Ask HR (verbatim): “What is the name of the trustee/fund manager/administrator, and did the deceased complete a beneficiary nomination form?”
Ask this instead of guessing (authority requirements)
If someone says “requirements vary,” ask: “For this death claim, what authority document do you require, what alternatives do you accept, and what counts as submission?” Keep the answer in writing.
Unclaimed balances & dormant e-money (reuniting money with families)
If you suspect older accounts, dormant balances, or forgotten products: run a structured discovery lane.
Unclaimed balances happen: old bank accounts, dormant products, or funds transferred under dormancy rules. Treat this as a separate lane: build a list of likely institutions, request their deceased-customer process in writing, and track every request with a reference.
Official starting points (Bank of Ghana)
- Unclaimed balances portal: bog.gov.gh (Unclaimed Balances)
- Dormant e-money guidance (directory): bog.gov.gh (Dormant e-money guidelines)
What you’ll usually need (so you don’t waste a trip)
What to ask (copy/paste)
“Please confirm whether the deceased held any accounts/products with your institution, including dormant accounts or unclaimed balances. What is your deceased-customer process, what documents are required, and can you provide a reference/acknowledgement and expected timeline?”
Anti-fraud upgrade (painfully common)
Workplace payouts & employer documents
Don’t just ask for ‘last salary’. Ask for a complete death-case payout checklist and the documents you’ll need elsewhere.
Employers can be a major source of money and documents: last salary, unpaid allowances, unused leave, terminal benefits, and letters that help unlock SSNIT, Tier 2/3, insurance, and banking lanes.
Operational lane: payroll & deductions
- Ask payroll to freeze/stop any post-death processing and confirm in writing what will happen next.
- Request a final payroll statement showing what was paid and what was withheld after the date of death.
- If deductions continue, ask: “What is the reversal pathway and what is the reference number for this request?”
Script for HR/Payroll (copy/paste)
“We need the full checklist for a death case: all payouts due (salary/leave/terminal benefits), any employer welfare/benefits, documents we must submit, documents the company will issue, the processing timeline, how deductions are handled, and how we will receive acknowledgement in writing.”
Banks & mobile money: stop leakages, map products, prevent fraud
Rule: freeze/notify → preserve statements → stop leakages → then follow the deceased-customer process.
The crisp rule (prevents accidental damage)
Operational stop-loss (instant savings)
- List standing orders, subscriptions, card auto-payments, wallet auto-repayments.
- Preserve evidence (statements/screenshots) before changing anything.
- Ask the provider to identify any automatic deductions and the process to stop/adjust them.
The standard bank/mobile money question (copy/paste)
“Please confirm all products held by the deceased (accounts, deposits, cards, loans, standing orders, wallets). What is your deceased-customer process, what documents are required, and can you provide a reference/acknowledgement and expected timeline?”
Fraud safety rule
If the deceased had loans (ask this in writing)
Insurance: personal & employer-linked policies
Fast money is sometimes in a forgotten policy: employer cover, bank add-ons, or old personal plans.
Your job is to confirm 4 things quickly: whether there is a policy, who the beneficiary is, the document checklist, and the claim reference and timeline.
5 places to search (fast)
- Paper files at home (policies, certificates, premium notices)
- Email/SMS/WhatsApp (search “insurance”, “policy”, “premium”, insurer names)
- Employer HR (benefits and staff welfare)
- Banks (loan/card add-on insurance)
- Family members who paid premiums or received notices
Make ‘requirements vary’ actionable (ask this)
Urgent household support (where to ask, how to present)
If the household is struggling with basics, lead with facts, documents, and a clear request.
If the household is in immediate distress, don’t wait for long processes to finish. Ask for help while you run the bigger benefit lanes in parallel.
How to get a real decision faster (practical)
- Bring a simple packet: proof of death, household ID, income situation, urgent bills/arrears.
- State your request clearly: “We need short-term help with rent/food/medical costs while claims process.”
- Ask for a reference, written next steps, and a follow-up date.
Where families often ask (non-exhaustive)
- Employer welfare/union support (if the deceased was employed).
- Faith/community welfare structures (often fastest for emergency support).
- Local leaders/community networks for short-term stabilisation (documented requests help).
Follow-up calendar (so cases don’t stall)
Systems reward consistency. A weekly follow-up rhythm is normal.
- Week 1–2: open employer lane, open SSNIT lane (if applicable), open Workmen’s Compensation lane if work-related, payroll/deduction freeze request, bank/mobile money stop-loss + mapping, insurance search, Tier 2/3 detection, unclaimed discovery where suspected.
- Week 3–4: submit remaining documents, respond quickly to written missing-item lists, confirm next dates and references.
- Month 2: consistent follow-ups per lane, always referencing your case/claim number.
- Month 3: escalate formally if there is no movement (with evidence pack).
One-line tracking format (use for every lane)
Escalation (when you get stuck)
Evidence moves cases: Master File + acknowledgements + a clear timeline.
SSNIT
- Step 1: ensure you have the current checklist and correct submission channel.
- Step 2: insist on a reference number (or stamped receipt/email acknowledgement).
- Step 3: request a written missing-item list if asked for more documents.
- Step 4: follow up on schedule; if overdue, escalate with your timeline + attachments list.
Employer
- Step 1: request the death-case payout checklist, payroll/deduction handling, and who signs what.
- Step 2: get written acknowledgement of documents submitted.
- Step 3: escalate internally (HR head/finance) with your dated evidence pack.
Workmen’s Compensation (work-related)
- Step 1: keep the employer accountable for reporting and supporting documentation.
- Step 2: maintain a single evidence pack (incident + medical + employer letters).
- Step 3: follow up using your reference; request written status updates.
Banks / Mobile money / Insurers / Tier 2/3 administrators
- Step 1: request the deceased-customer checklist in writing + a reference.
- Step 2: escalate at branch/relationship manager/claims supervisor/trustee admin level with submission proof.
- Step 3: file a formal complaint attaching your timeline and evidence pack (factual and dated).
Golden rule
When is it ‘done’?
Clear completion signals so you can move on without anxiety.
- SSNIT: claim is filed with a reference and you have a clear status/outcome.
- Employer: all salary/leave/terminal payouts are settled, payroll/deduction handling is confirmed, and documentation is complete.
- Public sector (if applicable): scheme/pathway is confirmed in writing and case is tracked by reference.
- Workmen’s Compensation (if applicable): claim has a reference and written status/outcome.
- Tier 2/3, banks/mobile money & insurance: products mapped, leakages stopped, and outcomes documented.
Self-check
Master File checklist (one pack for all)
Build once, reuse everywhere: SSNIT, public sector, Workmen’s Compensation, employer, Tier 2/3, banks, mobile money, insurers, BoG unclaimed discovery.
- Proof of death (and supporting hospital documentation if relevant)
- Your identification and contact details
- Proof of relationship / authority (as required per lane)
- SSNIT packet: member details, checklist, forms, submission reference
- Public-sector packet (if applicable): employer confirmation + scheme/pathway + references
- Workmen’s Comp packet (if applicable): incident timeline, medical documents, employer letters, claim reference
- Tier 2/3 packet (if applicable): trustee/admin details, nomination info, checklist, claim refs
- Employer packet: HR contacts, payout checklist, payroll/deductions handling, acknowledgements, letters issued
- Bank/mobile money packet: account/loan map, recurring charges list, deductions/reversal requests, case refs
- BoG unclaimed discovery packet: identifiers used, requests sent, outcomes, references
- Insurance packet: policy clues, claim references, document checklists
- Tracking log: date, channel, officer, reference, missing items, next step, follow-up date
- Role note (if not spouse/child): institution’s written authority requirements for your role
High-leverage tip
Common mistakes
Avoidable ‘silent losses’ and avoidable delays.
- Not securing phone/email early (alerts + OTP risk) and losing control of key accounts
- Letting standing orders/subscriptions/deductions keep running for weeks
- Submitting without a reference/receipt/acknowledgement (cases get “lost”)
- Assuming employer/public office “will handle it” without written confirmation
- Mixing benefits admin with inheritance decisions (creates conflict and stalls progress)
- Sharing OTPs/PINs/logins with “helpers” (high fraud risk)
- Paying “processing fees” to individuals instead of using official channels with receipts
If you only do 3 things this month
- Open SSNIT lane (if applicable) and secure a written checklist + reference
- Open employer lane, freeze payroll/deductions, and get written acknowledgement of documents submitted
- Stop leakages and map bank/mobile money products with references
FAQ (Ghana — benefits & financial support after a death)
Questions and answers ready for snippet.
In Ghana, where does financial support usually come from after a death?
Most families find money in predictable lanes: (1) SSNIT Survivors Lump Sum (if the deceased contributed), (2) employer payouts (last salary, leave, terminal benefits) and any employer cover, (3) public-sector pensions where applicable (scheme + employer route matters), (4) Workmen’s Compensation if the death was work-related, (5) Tier 2/3 pension/retirement schemes where applicable (often nomination-based), (6) banks and mobile money (stop leakages, map accounts/loans), (7) insurance policies, and (8) Bank of Ghana unclaimed balances / dormant e-money lanes for forgotten funds.
What is the fastest ‘first move’ for benefits and money admin in Ghana?
Secure the primary phone/email (alerts, password resets), preserve evidence (screenshots/statements), stop ongoing deductions where possible, and open each benefit lane with a written checklist and a reference number (or stamped receipt/email acknowledgement). If the deceased was employed, ask HR immediately for the complete death-case payout checklist and any benefit/cover the employer must trigger.
How do I claim the SSNIT Survivors Lump Sum benefit in Ghana?
Start with the deceased’s SSNIT details (member number/employer records if available), then obtain the current Survivors benefit checklist via SSNIT’s official channels. Submit one clean document pack, obtain a reference number (or stamped receipt/email acknowledgement), and follow up on a schedule using that reference. Requirements can change, so always use the latest SSNIT checklist for your exact case.
If the death happened at work or may be work-related, what should we do?
Open the Workmen’s Compensation lane early and treat evidence as the engine: incident details, medical documentation, witnesses, and dates. Ask the employer for the official reporting and claim route, and keep written proof of your requests and submissions. Pay only through official channels and always obtain a receipt—avoid ‘agents’ requesting cash.
Will we need probate/letters to receive SSNIT, pensions, or insurance money in Ghana?
Requirements vary by institution and sometimes by claim value. Some administrators may accept alternative proof for certain payments, while larger sums may require formal authority. Ask directly for your claim: “For this claim, do you require probate/letters, or will you accept another form of authority?” Keep the answer in writing and attach it to your Master File.
How do Tier 2 or Tier 3 pension benefits work after a death in Ghana?
Many Tier 2/3 schemes operate under scheme rules and beneficiary nomination forms. The fastest path is to identify the trustee/fund manager/administrator, request the death-claim checklist in writing, submit one clean pack, obtain a reference, and follow up consistently. Ask HR whether the deceased completed a beneficiary nomination form and who holds it.
Can we close bank or mobile money accounts immediately after a death?
Usually it’s safer not to rush to close. Use this rule: Freeze/notify first → preserve statements → stop leakages → then follow the institution’s deceased-customer process. Closing too early can break refunds, reversals, or linked insurance/loan processes.
What if we suspect dormant balances or forgotten funds?
Treat it as a discovery lane. Expect to provide identifiers (full name, ID details, phone numbers used, account clues) plus proof of death and claimant ID—requirements differ by institution. Use Bank of Ghana’s unclaimed balances channels for funds transferred under dormancy rules, and track every request with a reference and follow-up date.
Next steps (connect the 5 pillars)
Split the work into clean guides so you move faster with fewer mistakes.
- Full checklist: what to do after a death (Ghana)
- Funeral logistics: planning a funeral (Ghana)
- Estate/inheritance: legal guide (Ghana)
- Emotional support: grief support (Ghana)
Ghana — 5 pillars (recommended order)
These pages are designed to work together. Follow the order to avoid repeat trips and missing documents.
- What to do after a death (Ghana)
Time-based checklist (first day → first week → first month).
- Government benefits & financial support (Ghana)
SSNIT, public-sector pensions where applicable, Workmen’s Compensation, employer payouts, Tier 2/3, banks/mobile money, insurance, unclaimed balances (this page).
- Planning a funeral (Ghana)
Rites, logistics, costs, day-of checklist.
- Legal guide (Ghana)
Inheritance/estate authority, probate/letters, asset transfer (kept separate).
- Grief support (Ghana)
Emotional stabilisation, family coordination, reducing conflict.