NSSF vs PSSSF Explained
Both NSSF and PSSSF are 20% of your salary, but they cover different people and split the contribution differently. NSSF is for private-sector and informal employees; PSSSF is for public servants. This guide explains the difference and how each affects your pay and pension.
Reviewed by the Calculator editorial team · Last updated 6 September 2026
The split is the key difference
Both funds take 20% of your salary, but the employer/employee split differs. NSSF (private sector) is 10% employee + 10% employer. PSSSF (public sector) is 5% employee + 15% employer. So a public servant keeps slightly more of their gross each month than a private-sector employee on the same salary.
Who is covered by which fund
NSSF covers employees in the private and informal sectors. PSSSF covers public-service employees, including civil servants and teachers. You belong to whichever fund matches your employment sector.
Retirement and benefits
Both funds pay a pension at the compulsory retirement age of 60, with at least 180 months (15 years) of contributions. You can retire voluntarily from age 55 under PSSSF. The pension is calculated from your annual pensionable emoluments and months of service.
Sector matters for net pay
Because the employee share differs, a public servant (5%) has a lighter pension deduction than a private-sector worker (10%) on the same gross salary — which changes their take-home pay, even before PAYE. Use the relevant calculator below for your sector.
Tanzania NSSF Calculator
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between NSSF and PSSSF?
NSSF covers private-sector employees (10% employee + 10% employer) and PSSSF covers public servants (5% employee + 15% employer). Both total 20% of salary.
Which fund applies to me?
Private and informal-sector employees are on NSSF; public-service employees are on PSSSF.
When can I retire?
The compulsory retirement age is 60 for both, with at least 180 months (15 years) of contributions. PSSSF members may also retire voluntarily from age 55.