Maintaining the NSIF Rights

Renewal of Documents is Mandatory

This article explains the procedure that allows insured persons to continue receiving social benefits from the National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) each year.

As with all social security operations, the payment of benefits is regulated by law. The law requires insured persons to submit supporting documents for three main reasons: to verify eligibility, to prevent fraud, and to guarantee the continuity of legally established rights.

Verification of Eligibility

The documents submitted enable the NSIF to confirm that the insured person meets all legal requirements for a specific benefit. They ensure that the beneficiary’s situation matches the conditions set by law.

Fraud Prevention

Verifying documents helps reduce fraud and ensures that the correct benefit is paid to the rightful beneficiary.

Guaranteeing Continuity of Rights

The insured person (or their rightful claimants) has the right to receive social benefits as long as all eligibility conditions are met. These conditions include being up to date with online declarations, paying social contributions on time, and submitting authentic documents within the required deadlines.

Required Documents

The main documents requested include: a life certificate, a certificate of non-employment, a school attendance certificate for children up to 21 years, an apprenticeship certificate for children aged 14 to 18 who are in apprenticeship programs, a medical certificate for children with disabilities or serious incurable illnesses, a sworn statement of non-remarriage for surviving spouses, and a sworn statement of child custody.

Document Renewal Periods

To maintain an effective and up-to-date system, the NSIF requires beneficiaries under 70 years of age to submit their supporting documents each year between the 1^st of October and the 31^st of December. Beneficiaries aged 70 and above must renew their proof of life and identification twice a year: from the 1^st to the 30^th of June, and from the 1^st of October to the 31^st of December.

 If documents are not submitted within these periods, the insured person’s rights are automatically suspended.

Simplification of the Submission Process

Although the regulations governing NSIF benefits identify the specific documents required, the procedure was simplified through Service Note No. 251/17/DG/CNPS of 18 July 2017, which was later modified by Note No. 271/17/DG/CNPS of 2 August 2017. These reforms introduced an NSIF form that the insured person can sign themselves, removing the previous obligation to obtain signatures from administrative or municipal authorities.

The introduction of the Sapelli Aïna application has further modernised this process. The application allows insured persons to register in advance with their Social Insurance Centre of Management, submit their periodic documents, and complete their identification digitally. This can be done from any location, within minutes, and without having to travel.

Other Important Details

Children eligible for benefits must reside either in Cameroon or in a country that has a reciprocity agreement with Cameroon, such as Gabon and France. For children living in countries without such agreements, parents must provide proof that the children remain financially dependent on them, particularly regarding housing, nutrition and education.

Summary

The renewal of periodic documents is a fundamental administrative requirement that ensures that all information about beneficiaries remains accurate and reliable. It helps the NSIF maintain control over eligibility, guarantee the continuity of rights, and prevent undue payments. It also strengthens internal controls, improves the quality of administrative data, and promotes the efficient use of resources. Ultimately, this process reinforces the trust that insured persons place in the management of Cameroon’s social security system.