IN-RETIREMENT BRIEFINGUSEFUL INFORMATION FOR
RETIREES AND BENEFICIARIESVTC UNJSPF New York –AFICS Japan – 16 January 2021
Client Services and Outreach Section, UNJSPF
Bangkok-Geneva-Nairobi-New YorkMay 2016

CONTENTS
The UNJSPF WEBSITE
Member Self Service (MSS)The Annual CE Exercise
The UNJSPF Emergency Fund
Survivors Benefits and Information forsurvivors▪ Contacting the Fund
▪ Payment of your UNJSPF Benefit
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪

UNJSPF WEBSITE
Retiree Tools

The UNJSPF website
www.unjspf.org – UNJSPF WEBSITE TABS useful for RETIREES…
▪

Access to Member Self Service (MSS) – On the MSS web-page you can register for or log into your personalized
MSS portal. (For more details about MSS see next slide.): https://www.unjspf.org/urgent-assistance-arabic/▪

Contact Us: links to the online UNJSPF Contact Form to submit all written e-mail queries to the Fund. This page also
provides the contact details for the Fund’s Call Center and postal mailing address in the Geneva:
https://www.unjspf.org/contact-us/▪

Urgent Assistance: Special web-page explaining how to best contact the Fund and the immediate information
required for death related queries OR if a monthly benefit payment stopped: these queries are treated as absolute
PRIORITY by the Fund! This page exists in Arabic (an the other 5 official UN languages):
https://www.unjspf.org/urgent-assistance-arabic/▪

Information: links to a page listing and linking to various useful pages particularly relevant for retirees/beneficiaries,
e.g.: FAQs (including Special Covid-19 FAQ), Informational Booklets, Educational Videos, Certificate of Entitlement(CE) info, Emergency Fund, etc.: https://www.unjspf.org/info-for-retirees-beneficiaries/▪

Forms: All official UNJSPF forms are available here in blank format, e.g. the Change in Payment Instructions (PI)form, or Change in Address form. However, it is best if you print official UNJSPF forms inside your personalized
Member Self Service (MSS), as they are pre-completed with your name and Unique UNJSPF ID number (UID).

▪

Publications: UNJSPF Annual Letter/Report, News Alerts, etc.: https://www.unjspf.org/publications/▪

Investments: links to the webpages of the Office of Investment Management (OIM) and provides detailed
information about the funding status of the Fund, investments etc.: https://oim.unjspf.org/.

The UNJSPF website
www.unjspf.org
WEB-PAGES, INFORMATIONAL BOOKLETS and VIDEOS of special relevance for retirees and beneficiaries…
▪

Certificate of Entitlement (CE): this page provides up to date information about the annual Certificate of
Entitlement Exercise and related matters, e.g. the deadline for return of the annual CE to the Fund, what to do in caseof non-receipt of the annual CE, how to access your online CE, under which circumstances signature/thumbprint
authentication is required, etc.: https://www.unjspf.org/certificate-of-entitlement/-CE Booklet: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Certificate-of-entitlement.pdf-CE Whiteboard Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=N5qoL7POTQg&feature=emb_logo▪

Authentication of Signatures & Documents: this page provides detailed information about the conditions underwhich signature authentication is required, which authorities the Fund accepts as authenticating officials, etc.:
https://www.unjspf.org/authentication-of-signatures-and-docs/▪

Emergency Fund: this page explains the existence of the UNJSPF Emergency Fund (EF), its purpose, generalconditions of EF assistance award, requirements for submission of EF assistance requests, etc.
https://www.unjspf.org/documents/emergency-fund/-Emergency Fund booklet in Arabic: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Brochure-EmergencyAr.pdf-Emergency Fund Whiteboard Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKw9NBXSRGg&feature=emb_logo

The UNJSPF website
www.unjspf.org
WEB-PAGES, INFORMATIONAL BOOKLETS and VIDEOS of special relevance for retirees and beneficiaries…
▪

Survivors: this page provides some basic information relevant for survivors of a retiree or beneficiary and links torelated relevant pages, including required official forms, checklist, booklet, video, etc.:
https://www.unjspf.org/survivors/-Survivors Booklet with detailed information about conditions of entitlement to survivors benefits and required
documentation: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Survivors-Benefits-1.pdf-Survivors Whiteboard Videos:#15 Survivors to the retiree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqh4voWbqG8#16 Survivors to the survivor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I_e4jkaVTw(#11 Residual Settlement and A2 form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViGxk3y1xXU)▪

Legal Guardianship and Estate: the following link takes you to the informational booklet explaining under which
conditions the Court appointment of a legal guardian may be required by the Fund to allow a third party to handle thepension affairs of a retiree/beneficiary: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/LegalGuardEstate.pdf

The UNJSPF WEBSITE
www.unjspf.org

WEB-PAGES, INFORMATIONAL BOOKLETS and VIDEOS of special relevance for retirees and beneficiaries…
▪

SPECIAL COVID-19 FAQ: A lot of COVID-19 related questions have reached the Fund since March 2020. To help you
navigate pension issues during these difficult times, the Fund has created a COVD19 FAQ document providing you with thekinds of questions we received, and our answers. Here the link to the FAQ document: https://www.unjspf.org/wpcontent/uploads/2020/05/COVID-19-FAQ_COMPLETE_Participants-and-Beneficiaries_May-2020.pdf
Please be assured that:▪ The Fund continues to process pension benefits as normal and without any additional delays.
▪ COVID-19 is not affecting the funding stability of the UNJSPF and the current market performance has no bearing on thepayment of established or new pension benefits.
▪ Retirees and beneficiaries have no reason to worry about the regular payment of their benefits.
▪ Recognizing the fact that due to the pandemic some participants and beneficiaries may not be able to submit their official
UNJSPF forms to the Fund in the format usually required, the Fund has implemented new arrangements that allow forelectronic submission of official forms and supporting documentation via MSS to ensure continued service to our clientsworldwide.
▪ The Fund continues to receive, process and dispatch physical mail; therefore, you can of course continue to submit youroriginal forms to the Fund via mail.

UNJSPF MSSRetiree Tools

Member Self Service (MSS): INSIDE MSS
Useful MSS tabs for RETIREES/BENEFICIARIES▪

Account: (this tab can be accessed in the top left corner of all MSS pages) - here you canchange your Email, Username, Password or Security Questions▪

Home page: the Fund uses this page to provide updates and alerts relating to MSS – weencourage you to regularly log into MSS to check for such updates/alerts▪

Address: all those on the US Dollar track can change their address online and provide an
emergency contact. – If you are paid under the two-track, you must submit form PF23/M torequest the Fund to change your address.

▪

Disbursements: track all payments from the Fund and ASHI deductions (if applicable).

▪

Documents: you can access, download and print your Official Benefit letter, Quarterly COLA
Statements, Statement of Benefits (if requested), Estimates that you have generated in the
Estimate tab, and, other important documents. For all those on the US Dollar Track: you canaccess your annual Certificate of Entitlement (“MSS” CE) here.

▪

E-Forms: you can access all official UNJSPF forms pre-completed with your UID and name(e.g. Change in Payment Instructions form PF.23, forms E.10 and E.11, etc.) – please always
use these MSS forms, as applicable, as they are barcoded and the latest version of these forms.

▪

Proof Documents: you can track receipt by the Fund of your returned, barcoded annual CE
form – this tab gives you visibility into whether the Fund has received your returned CE form
and at which date it was indexed to your file.

▪

Emergency Fund: in case of severe financial hardship, submit an initial EF request online.

▪

Two-Track Estimate: you can run your estimates of your entitlement if paid under the local
track of your country of residence – you should definitely run a two-track estimate before
applying to the Fund to be paid under the local track.

▪

MSS Document Upload: Here you can upload and submit to the Fund duly completed, dated
and signed official UNJSPF form/s and supporting documents as required for your case (e.g.
current year barcoded Certificate of Entitlement (CE), PF23, E10, E11, ID docs, Birth Cert./s,
Marriage Cert., Divorce doc., etc.) – this tab allows you to submit forms and required
documents to the Fund electronically.

Note that some of the MSS tabs/functionalities you can access as a retiree/beneficiary are
different from those you were able to access as a participant.

MEMBER SELF SERVICE (MSS)

Register/Login to gain access to your personalized MSS portal:▪
MSS Registration: https://www.unjspf.org/member-self-service/
Watch the Whiteboard video explaining the UNJSPF “Member Self
Service”:▪
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryZ_XCJ6JuU
Watch the tutorial on our website “How to register for MSS”:▪ https://www.unjspf.org/how-to-register-for-mss-tutorial/

ACCESSING MEMBERSELF-SERVICE (MSS)
https://www.unjspf.org/
member-self-service/UNJSPF MEMBER SELF-SERVICE (MSS):- How to register for MSS- MSS Support

12

Member Self Service (MSS):Your personalized portal on the UNJSPF Website

13Member Self Service (MSS):Your personalized portal on the UNJSPF Website

14

You need your UNJSPF UNIQUE ID NUMBER (UID) – to register for Member Self Service (MSS) :
•

•

•

•

•

•

The Fund recently introduced a new numbering system; the new nine-digit UNJSPF
Unique ID (UID) number will serve as life-time reference numbers for all Fund
members (from entry into the Fund till death).
The UID is required for registration for Member Self Service (MSS) on the Fund’s
official website. All nine digits must be entered for registration, every zero counts!
Please refer to your HR/EO offices to obtain your new UID and use it in all yourfuture communications with the Fund, as it will help duly track and assign them toyour case file.
You can also obtain your UID by sending and email from your official UN email
address to: RequestUIDonly@unjspf.org. You will receive a response within 1 to max.
3 business days.
When asked to create your USERNAME as part of the registration process, please do
NOT use special characters and do not include any spaces. Only use letters andnumbers.
Should you have issues with MSS once you registered, please contact the MSS
Support team at MSSSupport@unjspf.org. They will respond within 2 to max. 5
business days.
15

Member Self Service (MSS): REGISTER

Member Self Service (MSS): REGISTER

Member Self Service (MSS): REGISTER

Member Self Service (MSS): LOGININSIDE MSS: CHANGING YOUR ADDRESSINSIDE MSS: TRACKING YOUR PAYMENTS

INSIDE MSS: TRACKING YOUR PAYMENTS

INSIDE MSS: ACCESSING IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS (CE, STATEMENTS,
LETTERS, etc.)

INSIDE MSS: TRACKING RECEIPT OF YOUR CE BY THE FUNDINSIDE MSS: REQUESTING EMERGENCY FUND ASSISTANCEINSIDE MSS
Uploading andsubmitting documents to
the UNJSPF electronicallyMember Self Service (MSS):
Submitting documents to the Fund electronically
Read and follow these instructions
carefully!
Then click on ‘Send Message’ tobegin the document uploading
process.

Member Self Service (MSS):
Submitting documents to the Fund electronically
1.
2.
3.
4.

Click on « Choose File » to select the document you want to upload; it must be in PDF, JPG or JPEG format. Be
patient, depending on network capacity it can be fast or take up to a minute for the document to appear.
Once the name of the chosen file appears in the ‘Select File’ box, click on « Upload » to attach the document to thismessage.
Once you have uploaded the document, you must select the appropriate document label from the description menu.
If you want to attach and submit more than one document, repeat actions under 1., 2. and 3. You can upload max. 5 documents
to one message. For submission of additional documents you must create a new message.
Once you have attached and labeled all documents you wish to submit to the Fund (max. 5 per message), click on« Send ».

Member Self Service (MSS):
Submitting documents to the Fund electronicallyOnce you have hit « Send » and your submission was successful, the below message
will appear briefly to let you know. Pay careful attention to the screen as themessage will appear only for a few seconds and then disappear.

Member Self Service (MSS):
Submitting documents to the Fund electronically
You can check whether your document submission was succesful by visting the« Outbox », where all succesfully submitted messages with attached documents can beviewed.
If your message/documents do NOT show in the « Outbox » your submission failed and you have tostart over.

Member Self Service (MSS):
Submitting documents to the Fund electronically
All succesfully submitted messages with attached documents can be viewed here in
the « Outbox ».
To see message details and all documents attached, click on the message of yourchoice and you will be taken to the chosen message and attachment/s.
NB: If your message/documents do NOT show in the « Outbox » your submission failed and you
have to start over.

Member Self Service (MSS):
Submitting documents to the Fund electronically
The details of all succesfully submitted messages with attached documents can beviewed here in the « Message Details ».

THE ANNUAL
CERTIFICATE OF
ENTITLEMENT (CE)EXERCISE

THE ANNUAL
EXERCISE
THE CEANNUALCE EXERCISE
General information about the Fund’s annual CE Exercise:▪
The dedicated CE webpage is updated for each annual CE Exercise and mailing with up to date information andguidance https://www.unjspf.org/certificate-of-entitlement/; general CE related info.
▪
The “CE” Whiteboard video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=lEC1GSXWP3A▪
ALL retirees and beneficiaries will receive the barcoded and personalized annual CE by mail at theirofficial mailing address on file with the Fund.
▪
If a benefit is paid on the US Dollar Track (i.e. NOT paid on the Two-Track), the beneficiary can also download
and print the barcoded annual CE from inside their MSS, under the DOCUMENTS tab. The MSS CE isgenerated and will be available in MSS at the same time the hardcopy CE is created and sent out by the Fund, i.e.
usually very late May every year.
▪
The Fund just implemented a new functionality inside MSS that allows MSS users to UPLOAD forms(including the annual CE form) and supporting documents inside their MSS portal, i.e. electronic
submission of the duly completed, dated and signed annual CE form (and other documents) to the Fund.
Documents submitted electronically via MSS are accepted in lieu of the original document. In that case,there is no need to send the original physical CE form back to the Fund. Check the Fund’s website www.unjspf.org
for updates on the launch of this new functionality and related guidance.
▪
Beneficiaries can track receipt by the Fund of their returned barcoded CE in MSS under the PROOF
DOCUMENTS tab – allow for 2 weeks for CE to be uploaded and MSS tracker updated.
▪
It is key that the Fund has on file the beneficiary’s UP TO DATE Mailing Address to ensure the annual CE ismailed to the correct address (especially if benefit is paid on the Two-Track!).
▪
OFFICIAL MAILING ADDRESSES can now be updated online in MSS, provided the beneficiary is paid under
the US Dollar track (i.e. NOT paid on the Two-Track) and their old or new address does NOT involve a Pouch
Address; else an original and duly completed, dated and signed form PF23/M must be submitted to the Fund.
▪
Authentication of signature is required ONLY if it changed or if the beneficiary uses a thumbprint instead of ascripted signature; detailed guidance on signature authentication requirements is provided on the website:
https://www.unjspf.org/authentication-of-signatures-and-docs/.
▪
The Fund is currently developing a DIGITAL CE mobile application (DCE) which will be accessible via
smart phones; go live is expected by 01 February 2021. Read the related article and watch the explanatory video
https://www.unjspf.org/simplifying-the-certificate-of-entitlement-process-for-retirees-watch-the-video/; check for
updates on our website www.unjspf.org

The new DigitalTHE
CE (DCE)
MobileApp
ANNUALCE EXERCISE
Once the DCE app will go live the Fund will provide detailed guidelines, tutorials, FAQs and other support material on its website www.unjspf.org

THE UNJSPFEMERGENCY FUND

THE EMERGENCY FUND
▪ Watch the Whiteboard video on the “EMERGENCY FUND” on the Fund’s website:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZoDnPqJ5M4
Read the informative booklet on the “EMERGENCY FUND” which you can access anddownload here:
https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Brochure-Emergency.pdf▪

▪

It is important that all requests for Emergency Fund (EF) financial assistance aresubmitted in writing accompanied by all required supporting documentation (e.g.
medical reports, receipts for payment made, etc., if and as applicable).

Monitor the Fund’s website www.unjspf.org for announcements for Special Emergency
Fund assistance in the context of a Natural Disaster.
For EF assistance in the context of a Natural Disaster, the Fund would publish an according
announcement on its website and where possible reach out to local AFICS chapters and/or UN
organizations, to raise awareness of such Special EF Payment.
▪

CONTENTS▪ SURVIVORS BENEFITS and INFORMATIONFOR SURVIVORS – Survivor’s benefits –Guidance material – Useful information

SURVIVORS BENEFITS▪ The following pages provide you with information about the kind of survivor’s benefits
that the Fund may pay after the death of a retiree.
▪ You will also find information about how to best contact the Fund to report the death of aretiree or a beneficiary and what documentation is required by the Fund to determine
entitlement to a survivor’s benefit.
▪ The Fund suggests that it is useful to print out a copy of the Fund’s informational booklet
about SURVIVORS BENEFITS and include it with your personal will, so that your survivors
can easily access it when needed and no what action to take to inform the Fund, etc. You
can download that booklet here:▪
▪

Survivors Booklet with detailed information about conditions of entitlement to survivors benefits and required documentation:
https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Survivors-Benefits-1.pdf
Web page with helpful information for survivors: this UNJSPF web-page provides some basic information relevant for survivors of a retiree
or beneficiary and links to related relevant pages, including required official forms, checklist, booklet, video, etc.:
https://www.unjspf.org/survivors/
Survivors Whiteboard Videos:#15 Survivors to the retiree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqh4voWbqG8#16 Survivors to the survivor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I_e4jkaVTw(#11 Residual Settlement and A2 form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViGxk3y1xXU)SURVIVORSBENEFITSEXPLAINEDPRIMARY
DEPENDENTS
Surviving spouse//
ex-spouse//child/ren

The SURIVING SPOUSE’S BENEFIT(Articles 34 & 35)…is a periodic benefit payable to your surviving spouse for life. It is adjusted for cost of living over time. No vesting period
is required.
This benefit is payable if:▪
You died while still in service provided your spouse was married to you at the date of your death; or▪
You died after separation from service and while receiving a periodic retirement benefit from the Fund provided your
spouse was married to you at the date of your separation and remained married to you until your death.
▪
Such benefit is payable for life to the entitled surviving spouse, even in the event that the widow/er got remarried.

How much is a surviving spouse’s benefit ?
▪
▪
▪
▪

The entitled surviving spouse is ‘automatically’ entitled to a lifelong, monthly benefit equal to ½ of the late retiree’s
FULL retirement entitlement. The amount of this benefit is NOT affected by the late retiree’s choice of receiving alump sum as part of their retirement benefit.
There is NO lump sum option under this entitlement. It is a periodic benefit payable monthly in arrears.
If such benefit is payable following the death of a retiree, it will be half the full benefit to which the retiree wasentitled regardless of whether or not the retiree opted to commute part of the benefit into a lump sum. It would
then be half of the full benefit to which the deceased participant would have been entitled to at their NRA.
If such benefit is payable following the death in service of a participant, it is calculated based on the value of the full
retirement benefit that the participant would have been entitled to had they contributed to the Fund until their
Normal Retirement Age for pension purposes (NRA).

Learning Material on UNJSPF website:
Whiteboard videos: https://www.unjspf.org/whiteboard-videos/Information booklet: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Survivors-Benefits-1.pdf
Additional guidelines: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Annex_R_Guidelines011018.pdf
42

DIVORCEDSURVIVING
SPOUSE’S
BENEFIT
Article 35bis

The DIVORCED SURIVING SPOUSE’S BENEFIT(Article 35bis)… is a periodic benefit payable to your divorced surviving spouse for life if s/he meetsthe requirements set forth in Article 35bis(b):▪ You were married to your former spouse for a continuous period of at least 10
years during which contributions were paid in your respect to the UNJSPF;▪ The Divorce Settlement Agreement/Judgment does NOT expressly state that theformer spouse renounced UNJSPF pension entitlements.
▪ Your death must have occurred within 15 years of the date when divorce became
final UNLESS at the time of death you were under a legal obligation to pay
maintenance to your former spouse;▪ The former spouse must have reached age 40 – otherwise payment will commence
upon ex-spouse’s 40th birthday;
How much is a divorced surviving spouse’s benefit ?
If there is one (or more) surviving spouse(s) entitled to a widow/er’s benefit, thesurvivor’s benefit is divided between the surviving spouse(s) and the former
spouse(s) in proportion to the duration of their marriages to the participant/retiree.
If there is no widow/er entitled to a survivor’s benefit, the ex-spouse’s benefit isequivalent to ½ of the full benefit payable to you during your lifetime.
There is NO lump sum option under this benefit; it is a periodic benefit payable monthly in arrears.
Learning Material on UNJSPF website:
Whiteboard video: https://www.unjspf.org/whiteboard-videos/Information booklet: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Divorce_eng.pdf
Additional guidelines: https://www.unjspf.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/10/Annex_R_Guidelines011018.pdf
44

SURVIVING SPOUSE’S
BENEFIT FOR SPOUSE
MARRIED AFTERSEPARATION
Article 35ter

The SURVIVING SPOUSE’S BENEFIT FOR A SPOUSE MARRIED AFTER SEPARATION(Article 35ter)
As from 1 April 1999, a former participant receiving a pension may elect to purchase a spouse's
annuity, through a reduction of his/her periodic benefit, subject to certain limitations to protect both
the Fund and the participant.
– Such election must be made within one year from the date of marriage;– The election shall become effective 18 months after the date of marriage;– The election, once effected, may NOT be revoked except by an explicit request in writing by the
UNJSPF retiree in case of divorce or by death of the spouse. A final divorce decree issued bycompetent national court must be provided. No payments will be refunded; such payments
will not convey to the divorced spouse a benefit entitlement from UNJSPF either.
Learning Material on UNJSPF website:
Whiteboard videos: https://www.unjspf.org/whiteboard-videos/Information booklet: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Survivors-Benefits-1.pdf
Additional guidelines: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Annex_R_Guidelines011018.pdf

46

SURVIVING CHILD’S
BENEFIT
Article 36

The SURVIVING CHILD’S BENEFIT(Article 36)… is payable to each child of a participant who died in service or of a beneficiary who died while
entitled to a “normal” retirement, early retirement or disability benefit.
▪
▪
▪

▪
▪

▪

Entitlement to a surviving child’s benefit commences from the first day of the month following thebeneficiary’s death
The surviving child’s benefit is a periodic benefit, i.e. paid in monthly installments
The surviving child’s benefit is payable while the child remains under the age of 21; entitlement tothis benefit ends at the end of the month during which the child reaches age 21…
…except in case of the child’s disability: a surviving child’s benefit is also payable to any child
OVER age 21 found by the Fund’s Staff Pension Committee (SPC) to be incapacitated by illness or
injury for substantial gainful employment; in that case entitlement to the surviving child’s benefit
continues beyond age 21, for as long as the child’s disability lasts
There is no limitation on the number of surviving child’s benefits payable, however, there is alimit on the total amount payable as surviving child’s benefits by the Fund. If following the deathof a beneficiary numerous children are entitled to a surviving child’s benefit, the amount payable
will be divided into equal parts among the entitled children.
Note: where several entitlements to survivors benefits co-exist, e.g. surviving spouse’s and/or
surviving ex-spouse’s and child’s benefit/s, these will be paid in parallel at the applicable rates.

How much is a Surviving Child’s benefit ?
▪ The surviving child’s benefit is derived from the benefit payable to the lateparticipant/beneficiary.
The annual amount is 1/3 of the beneficiary’s benefit, subject to a minimum amount of approx.
USD 1,673 per year and to a maximum amount of approx. USD 3,329 per year (as of April 2012).
Learning Material on UNJSPF website:
Whiteboard videos: https://www.unjspf.org/whiteboard-videos/Information booklet: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Survivors-Benefits-1.pdf

48

SECONDARYDEPENDENTS
Surviving secondary
dependent

SURVIVINGSECONDARYDEPENDANT’S
BENEFIT
Article 37

The SURVIVING SECONDARY DEPENDANT’s BENEFIT(Article 37)
A secondary dependant = mother or father or brother or sister.

ONLY one of them!
➢ If father OR mother ➔benefit level = widow(er)’s benefit➢ If brother OR sister ➔ benefit level = surviving child’s
benefit
Subject to the following conditions:▪ NO surviving spouse’s/ex-spouse’s and/or child’s benefit
is/was payable.
▪ In the case of a brother or a sister, no Deferred Retirement
benefit under Article 30 was payable.
Learning Material on UNJSPF website:
Whiteboard videos: https://www.unjspf.org/whiteboard-videos/Information booklet: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Survivors-Benefits-1.pdf

RESIDUALSETTLEMENT
Article 38

The Residual Settlement (Article 38)
Watch the online Whiteboard video for summary information on the
Residual Settlement and the A2 form explained
available on the UNJSPF Website under “Learning Tools”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViGxk3y1xXU

53

The Residual Settlement (Article 38)
•
➢
➢
➢
•
➢
•
➢
➢
•

When is a residual benefit payable?
If you die in service or while receiving a benefit from the Fund, provided there is NO monthly survivor's benefit payable by the Fund(i.e. no Surviving Spouse’s benefit under Art 34/35, no Surviving Child’s benefit under Art 36, no other kind of regular monthly
survivor’s benefit).
A Residual Settlement is only payable, if the Fund has not, yet, disbursed the equivalent of your OWN contributions you paid to theFund during your participation in the UNJSPF, and the interest earned, in the form of a benefit to either you, or to a survivor entitled toa regular monthly benefit from the Fund.
It is a one time payment made only if the total amount of benefits already paid to you and/or to your survivors was less than your own
contributions.
How much is a Residual Settlement?
A Residual Settlement is the amount of your own contributions, with interest, minus any payments which have been made to you
and/or your survivors.
To whom is the residual benefit payable?
The Residual Settlement will be paid to any person(s) or institution(s) designated by you on the Fund's “Designation of Recipient of a
Residual Settlement" form PENS.A/2 in accordance with % (if any) set by you.
If no original and duly completed residual settlement form is available, the Residual Settlement becomes payable to the estate.
You can download form A2 from your Member Self Service (MSS).

Learning Material on UNJSPF website:
Whiteboard videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViGxk3y1xXU
Information booklet: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Survivors-Benefits-1.pdf

OWN
Contributions +Interest

Total Benefits
Paid

Residual
Settlement
54

Designation of Beneficiary (form A/2)

55

SURVIVORSBENEFITS
Practical GuidanceBASIC INFORMATION REQUIRED RELATING TO A RETIREE’S/BENEFICIARY’S DEATH

It should be noted that a final determination and confirmation of entitlement to a survivor’s benefit from the Fund can bemade by the Fund only upon the death of the participant/retiree/beneficiary.
Survivors Booklet: https://www.unjspf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Survivors-Benefits-1.pdf

CONTACTING THE UNJSPF:
QUERIES FROM SURVIVORSWEBSITE: www.unjspf.org▪ WEBSITE TOOLS: The website provides information specifically about topics of interest for survivors; it provides general information, tutorials, white board videos
explaining in English or French what is relevant. In addition, it provides a Contact Form to submit topic specific queries or an Urgent Assistance page providing contact
information and general requirements for the two most urgent reasons for contact (Death related query or Monthly benefit stopped). A dedicated Survivors Booklet
exists in English, French and Spanish languages providing all relevant and important information in this regard; this booklet can also be provided by the Fund in hard
copy format. Link to the Survivors web page and booklet on our website: https://www.unjspf.org/documents/survivors-benefits/. Links to the Whiteboard
videos “SURVIVORS”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqh4voWbqG8 or “Residual Settlement” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViGxk3y1xXU.
▪ ONLINE CONTACT US FORM: An online Contact Form has been created that allows to identify the client as participant, beneficiary or third party, and offers contact
reason menu options so that the client can choose the topic that matches their query. Thus, queries reach the Fund already organized by topics and priority levels anddropped into according inbox buckets. This in turn allows the Fund to immediately identify and give priority attention to urgent queries (e.g. ‘death related’, ‘monthly
benefit payments stopped’, etc.). Faster and better service will be given to clients. Link to Contact Us web page: https://www.unjspf.org/contact-us/.
▪ URGENT ASSISTANCE WEB PAGE: A special page, highlighted in the Home Page menu options, provides basic practical information for the two most urgent
reasons of contact: Informing the Fund of the death of a retiree/beneficiary and monthly benefit payment stopped. The user is guided on how to contact the Fund andwith which information. Two dedicated email addresses are provided for these specific priority queries. The page exists in the six official languages of the UN, so that
beneficiaries of the Fund who do not speak English or French (usually entitled survivors, dependents) have access to this basic information and know what is required
from them to help the Fund address their concern. Link to Urgent Assistance web page: https://www.unjspf.org/emergency/.
▪ Call Center: when clients calls the Fund’s Call Center, they can choose to hear the menu options in either English or French. They are then offered menu options toguide the caller according to the reason of their call. All menu options contain a recorded message providing general topic related information deemed useful for thecaller. Every work day, during the hours of 7AM through 7PM NY time, all menu options will channel the call to a Call Center representative who will respond in person.
One of the menu options routes the caller to a special phone line for ‘Death related queries’ only. Telephone number Call Center New York: +1 212 963 6931

SURVIVORS: HOW TO REACH THE FUNDCONTACTINGTHE FUND
Retirees andBeneficiaries

CONTACTINGTHE FUND
In Writing:
Online Contact FormHOW TO CONTACT THE UNJSPF: Contact Form
▪ To ensure proper
tracking, routing and atimely response by
the UNJSPF, ALL
written queries mustbe submitted throughthe online CONTACT
FORM.
▪ To submit a written
query to the Fund,
please visit the
CONTACT US page on
the Fund’s website:
https://www.unjspf.or
g/contact-us/

HOW TO CONTACT THE UNJSPF: Contact Form
▪

▪

▪

▪

Please complete the online
CONTACT FORM with all
the required details
relating to your query.
Fields marked with a * arerequired!
Identify yourself as a‘Participant’, if you are not,yet, in receipt of a benefit
payment, or as a
‘Retiree/Beneficiary’ if you
are in receipt of a regularmonthly benefit from theFund.
Select the topic for which
you are contacting theFund from the drop-down
menu.
Make sure to provide avalid email address.

HOW TO CONTACT THE UNJSPF: Contact Form
▪

▪
▪
▪

▪

▪

▪

Retirees/Beneficiaries: please select the name ofyour country of residence from the drop downmenu (no need to provide the name of yourformer employing organization).
You can describe your query in more detail in thefree text field.
You can attach uploaded documents to yourquery, if deemed useful.
Once all required fields are completed, hit‘Submit’.
Upon submission of your Contact Form, you will
receive an initial automated response from theFund, acknowledging your submission, tracking
number and providing also information relevantto the topic of your query.
Once a UNJSPF pension expert has reviewed yourquery and case file in depth, you will receive a
detailed, case specific response to your question.
In view of large number of queries reaching theFund, which are responded to in chronologicalorder of receipt, standard response time iscurrently 15 business days.

CONTACTINGTHE FUND
In Writing:LetterHOW TO CONTACT THE UNJSPF: Letter
▪

▪

▪

▪

While we strongly encourage thatyou contact us via the online
Contact Form, you can of course
also contact us by mail.
Please refer to the website
CONTACT US webpage
https://www.unjspf.org/contactus/, where we provide the mailingaddresses for the Fund’s Geneva
and New York offices.
Note that when sending postal
mail to the Fund’s New York office,the address to use will depend on
how you send your mail (postal
service vs. special courier vs.
pouch).
Always make sure to include theletter date, your full name, yourUNJSPF reference number andyour contact details (address,
phone, email address) in allcommunications with the UNJSPF.

UNJSPF NEW YORKUNJSPF GENEVACONTACTINGTHE FUND
By PhoneHOW TO CONTACT THE UNJSPF: TELEPHONE▪

▪

▪

You can contact the UNJSPF
by phone via our CALLCENTER, operating during
standard UNJSPF office hours in
Geneva and New York.
More details on our Contact Us
page:
https://www.unjspf.org/contactus/.
The Fund’s CALL CENTERNUMBERS are:Geneva: +41(0)(22)928 88 00
New York: +1 212 963 6931
The Fund has Toll-Free andLocal numbers to 68
countries:
https://www.unjspf.org/toll-freenumbers/.
The Fund is adding new numbers
regularly.

CONTACTINGTHE FUNDUNJSPF New Yorkfull contact details

IF YOU NEEDASSISTANCEIF YOU
NEED ASSISTANCEUNJSPF - NEW YORK OFFICE
1 Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza,
885 Second Avenue,
4th Floor
Tel: 1-212-963-6931 (Call Center)
Fax: 1-212-963-3146
E-mail: to submit your query, visit the Fund’s website and on it the Contact Us
page to submit a Contact Form: https://www.unjspf.org/contact-us/
Website: http://www.unjspf.org▪ Call Center hours are 7:00AM – 7:00PM every business day of the
week.
▪ WALK IN SERVICES ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID -19
70

CONTACTINGTHE FUNDUNJSPF Geneva
full contact details

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCEUNJSPF – GENEVA OFFICE
Octagon Building,
Chemin du Pavillon 21218 Grand Saconnex
Switzerland
Tel: +41 (0) (22) 928 88 00
Fax: +41 (0) (22) 928 90 99
E-mail: to submit your query, visit the Fund’s website and on it the Contact Us
page to submit a Contact Form: https://www.unjspf.org/contact-us/
Website: http://www.unjspf.org▪ Call Center hours are 8:30AM – 17:00PM every business dayof the week.
▪ WALK IN SERVICES ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO
COVID-19
72

CONTACTINGTHE FUNDUNJSPF Bangkok
Liaison OfficeIF YOU NEED ASSISTANCEUNJSPF Bangkok Liaison Office:
The United Nation Building | Rajadamnern Nauk Avenue, Bangkok, THAILAND 10200
Email: UNJSPF-Bangkok@unjspf.org
For all inquiries, please visit: http://www.unjspf.org/contact-us/
Call the UNJSPF Call Center toll free from Japan: 01 20 53 67 08 or, to call from other locations, check
the Fund’s contact numbers and toll free numbers here: https://www.unjspf.org/contact-us/.
Call Center hours are 8:30AM – 01:00AM Geneva/Switzerland time every business
day of the week.
To view your personal pension pages, please visit and register for the Fund’s Member Self-Service:
http://www.unjspf.org/member-self-service/
For general information and learning tools, please visit the Fund’s website: http://www.unjspf.org

CONTENTS▪ Payment of your UNJSPF benefit:
The Pension Adjustment System (PAS) –The Two-Track and the USD Track;
Payments and Exchange Rates

THE PENSIONADJUSTMENTSYSTEM

sOVERVIEWPENSION ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM
Overview of FundOnce you are in receipt of a monthly benefit fromthe Fund, that benefit is subject to the Pension
Adjustment System. What is the purpose of thePension Adjustment System?

➢ To protect the purchasing powerof a pension from inflation and,
where applicable, from currency
fluctuations.

77sOVERVIEW ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM CONT’DPENSION

Overview of FundHOW does this work?
➢ Benefit amounts are adjusted to reflectchanges in the consumer price index
over certain thresholds.
➢ All UNJSPF monthly benefits are initiallycalculated and paid based on the US
Dollar. Likewise, they are adjusted
based on changes in the consumer priceindex in the United States.
78

sOVERVIEW ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM CONT’DPENSION

Overview of FundHOW FREQUENTLY are benefits adjusted?
➢ Annually, on 01 April, if the relevant
consumer price index moved by at least
2% since the date of the last
adjustment.
➢ Semi-Annually, on 01 April and on 01
October, if the consumer price index
moved by 10% or more since the April
adjustment.
The first adjustment will be reduced by 0.5
percent.
79

sOVERVIEW ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM CONT’DPENSION

Overview of Fund

WHAT is the Two-track?

➢ The Two-track System is an optional system you canelect in order to protect your monthly benefit amountagainst changes in the consumer price index(inflation) in their country of residence. You can electto go on the Two-Track at any time after your benefit
begins. However, once you make election, you cannot
go off the Two-Track and must remain on it.
➢ Once on the two-track, the monthly benefit will becalculated both on the original, US Dollar track, andthe local track (currency of country of residence).
The amount of benefit received will be the higher of
the two amounts, subject to caps. The local track
amount can never be:➢

Higher than 110%of the local track amount, or➢

Lower than 80%of the US Dollar track amount80

sOVERVIEW
TWO-TRACK ILLUSTRATION
Overview of Fund81

sOVERVIEW
TWO-TRACK SUMMARY POINTS
Overview of FundUS Dollar Track benefits:➢➢

US Dollar track is the default track for all new benefits and monthly
benefits are adjusted based on fluctuations in the consumer priceindex of the United States.
Benefits are paid in a currency you choose; your country of residence is
not relevant to the amount you receive.

Local Track benefits:➢➢➢➢

The Local Track is Voluntary election
The Local Track is Permanent election
If you are on the Local Track and you change your country ofresidence, you must inform the Fund so that your benefit can berecalculated on the Local Track for that country
Local Track benefits are calculated based exchange rates and cost ofliving factors in your country of residence as of your separation date,regardless of whether you choose to go on the Two-Track system atthe date of your initial benefit or a later date82

PAYMENTS
andEXCHANGE RATESsOVERVIEWPAYMENTS AND EXCHANGE RATES
Overview of FundYou can choose to have monthly benefit paid in any oneof the 15 following currencies, in any country:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

US Dollar (USD)
Euro (EUR)
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Pound Sterling (GBP)
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Australian Dollar (AUD)
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Danish Krone (DKK)
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Swedish Krone (SEK)
Indian Rupee (INR)
Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
CFA Franc (XAF and XOF)
84

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US DOLLAR TRACK BENEFICIARIES?
CURRENCY OF
BENEFITCONVERSIONBY UNJSPF AT
UN EXCHANGE
RATE

CURRENCY
RECEIVED BYBANKUS DOLLAR TRACK BENEFIT PAID INTO A JPY ACCOUNT IN JAPANCONVERSION BY
BANK AT BANKEXCHANGE RATECURRENCY
RECEIVED INBANK ACCOUNTENEFIT

US DOLLAR TRACK BENEFIT PAID INTO A USD ACCOUNT IN JAPAN***ENEFIT

ENEFIT

US DOLLAR TRACK BENEFIT PAID INTO A 3RD CURRENCY ACCOUNT IN JAPAN OR IN 3RD COUNTRY****** NOTE, IN THESE SCENARIOS THE BENEFIT DOES NOT ORIGINATE FROM A LOCAL BANK AND YOUR BANK IN JAPAN OR ANOTHER COUNTRY MAY
USE AN INTERMEDIARY BANK TO RECEIVE THE PAYMENT FROM UNJSPF. YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE CHARGED FEES BY THIS INTERMEDIARY BANK.
YOU WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THESE FEES, NOT THE UNJSPF. YOU MAY ALSO BE SUBJECT TO OTHER FEES BY YOUR BANK. PLEASE
CONSULT YOUR BANK FOR MORE DETAILS.

85

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US DOLLAR TRACK BENEFICIARIES?

➢

Receiving Japanese Yen into a Japanese Yen bank account is
the only way to ensure that you will avoid fees from your bank.

➢Since JPY is a payroll currency of the UNJSPF, the Fund will
convert your USD benefit into JPY using the UN exchange rate
and pay through a local transfer.

➢

The Fund will use the UN quarterly exchange rate to convert
from USD to JPY, so your benefit amount will fluctuate after
every three months.

➢

If you reside in Japan but would like to receive your benefit ina currency other than JPY, you will probably incur fees, even if
the currency is another UNJSPF payroll currency (for example,
Euros).

➢

Benefits directed to a bank account that is not denominated in
one of the 15 UNJSPF payroll currencies, will be sent to yourbank in USD and subject to exchange to the bank’s exchange
rate, in addition to any fees levied by the bank.

86

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TWO-TRACK BENEFICIARIES?
CURRENCY OF
BENEFITCONVERSIONBY UNJSPF AT
UN EXCHANGE
RATE

CURRENCY
RECEIVED BY
BANKJAPAN LOCAL TRACK BENEFIT PAID INTO A JPY ACCOUNT IN JAPANCONVERSION BY
BANK AT BANKEXCHANGE RATECURRENCY
RECEIVED INBANK ACCOUNTENEFIT

JAPAN LOCAL TRACK BENEFIT PAID INTO A USD ACCOUNT IN JAPAN***ENEFIT

ENEFIT

3rd COUNTRY LOCAL TRACK BENEFIT PAID INTO A 3RD CURRENCY ACCOUNT IN ANY COUNTRY****** NOTE, IN THESE SCENARIOS THE BENEFIT DOES NOT ORIGINATE FROM A LOCAL BANK AND YOUR BANK IN JAPAN OR ANOTHER COUNTRY MAY
USE AN INTERMEDIARY BANK TO RECEIVE THE PAYMENT FROM UNJSPF. YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE CHARGED FEES BY THIS INTERMEDIARY BANK.
YOU WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THESE FEES, NOT THE UNJSPF. YOU MAY ALSO BE SUBJECT TO OTHER FEES BY YOUR BANK. PLEASE
CONSULT YOUR BANK FOR MORE DETAILS.

87

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TWO-TRACK BENEFICIARIES?

➢

Receiving Japanese Yen into a Japanese Yen bank account is
the only way to ensure that you will avoid fees from your bank.

➢Since JPY is a payroll currency of the UNJSPF, your Local Trackbenefit does not need to be converted and will be paid througha local transfer.

➢

If you reside in Japan but would like to receive your benefit ina currency other than JPY, you will probably incur fees, even if
the currency is another UNJSPF payroll currency (for example,
Euros)➢

Benefits directed to a bank account that is not denominated in
one of the 15 UNJSPF payroll currencies, will be sent to yourbank in USD and subject to exchange at the bank’s exchange
rate, in addition to any fees levied by the bank.

88

TWO-TRACK ESTIMATE IN MSS
US Dollar Track beneficiaries can run anestimate to see the effect of converting to the
Two-Track➢

If you retired on or after 3 August 2015, you can run theestimate yourself in MSS on the Fund’s website➢

If you retired 2 August 2015 or earlier, please request
an estimate from the Fund using the contact form on thewebsite: https://www.unjspf.org/contact-us/

For further information on the Two-Tracksystem, please refer to:https://www.unjspf.org/help-tutorials/two-track/
https://www.unjspf.org/documents/the-two-track/89

TWO-TRACK ESTIMATE IN MSS

90

QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS