HBSI: MATERNITY BENEFITS
The Council is pleased to announce that with effect from 1 March 2023, the administration expenses and risk benefit premiums of employees on maternity leave will be payable from the reserve account of the Fund.
The Board of Trustees of the HBSI Pension Fund are always sensitive to the extreme financial stress and associated impact on households during the birth of a child and are always looking for ways to improve benefits for members where possible.
We are delighted to inform members that from 1 March 2023, the Fund has taken measures to minimize the financial impact on both our members (whilst on maternity leave) and employers during this period by placing your contributions on hold for a period up to four (4) months.
See HBSI Newsletter HERE.
EXEMPTION APPLICATIONS
NOTE: Exemptions are granted per calendar year (or part thereof). If you were granted exemption for last year and you wish to have exemption for this year, you must apply again.
Exemptions for the 2023 calendar year will be heard on 24 February 2023. If an application is not received in time for that hearing, pension invoices will be raised as from March 2023.
The Exemption application form can be accessed on our website HERE (or you may email a request to exemption@hcsbc.co.za). Please kindly ensure that your application reaches us as soon as possible and before 24 February 2023.
IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS - JOHANNESBURG
Johannesburg Office Telephone Numbers
The porting of the telephone numbers of the Council’s Johannesburg Office to our new system has been completed. The following numbers are back in service:
• 011 672-0424/5/6
• 011 672-0429
• 0861 427 227
The Council’s Fax number is as follows:
• 0865 850 314
POSTAL SERVICES FEES IMPLEMENTATION
The Council has been experiencing an increasing number of returned invoices through the postal system while the cost of using the postal system has also increased.
It has been agreed that the Council will implement a R15.00 fee per invoice that is required to be posted.
To avoid these costs, and to ensure you receive your returns and remain updated, please kindly advise the Council on amend@hcsbc.co.za of the contact name and email address to which the Council invoices may be emailed to you. Alternatively, please contact your designated agent in this regard.
Please consult the Council’s WEBSITE for the contact details of Agents in your area.
For more information, contact: www.hcsbc.co.za