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Consumer help: insurance and pensions

Here's where to go for advice and complaints about insurance schemes or pension funds – including provident funds, retirement annuities and social grants.

Short-term Insurance Ombudsman

Investigates complaints from the public against short-term insurers that are members of the Ombudsman for Short-term Insurance Association. You should, however, first complain to the insurer or broker concerned.

• Website: osti.co.za

Long-term Insurance Ombudsman

Investigates complaints from the public against life and long-term insurers that participate in the Ombudsman's Scheme. But first try to resolve the dispute with your insurer.

• Website: www.ombud.co.za
• Sharecall: 0860 103236

Pension Funds Adjudicator

Handles complaints regarding private sector pension funds, including provident funds and retirement annuities.

• Website: www.pfa.org.za

Government Employees Pension Fund

Handles complaints regarding the Government Employees Pension Funds, Africa's largest pension fund.

• Website: www.gepf.co.za

Social grants

If you have a problem with a social grant, including old age pensions, contact the Department of Social Development through its head office or your nearest provincial office.

• Website: www.dsd.gov.za

Unresolved problems with social grants can also be taken to the Public Protector:

• Website: www.pprotect.org

Financial Services Board

Independent statutory body that oversees the non-banking financial services industry – including insurers, retirement funds, unit trust schemes, and financial markets – and handles complaints in the public interest.

However, you should only contact the board if you feel that the law has been transgressed or is inadequate.

• Website: www.fsb.co.za

SAinfo reporter

Reviewed: 12 July 2012