Government Employees Housing scheme: Tutorials | Forms | Documents
Is enrolment compulsory?
Enrolment is mandatory for all eligible individuals; everyone who qualifies must apply.
I don’t have savings because I didn’t apply.
Employees who are renting must apply for Rental Allowance for them to contribute to the Individual Linked Savings Facility (ILSF). In doing this they will contribute to their savings monthly.
I was transferred from another department, and I don’t have savings.
The new Department needs to reinstate the allowance guided by the contents of the last pay slip which is received from the previous employer.
I resigned and started with a new department and now I want to withdraw my savings.
Savings may only be paid out in these circumstances:
- Obtaining home ownership
- Exit the service (Retirement, resignation or dismissal)
In the event of death.
Who do I contact when I would like to access my Government Employee Housing Scheme (GEHS) savings?
Employees must contact the Directorate Service Benefits, and they will guide them as to how to access their savings.
Will I qualify for Housing Allowance if I buy a stand and build for myself?
Yes, however, it is compulsory that the house is built within 12 months. If the employee cannot prove occupancy after 12 months, the Housing Allowance as a House-owner will be terminated.
I have applied for ILSF withdrawals, and I have not received my savings.
The employee needs to consult the Directorate Service Benefits regarding this process.
An employee was transferred to another Department and has since become a homeowner. Thereafter they applied for the withdrawal of their savings. Will they only receive the savings from their current employer?
The Human Resources (HR) of the new Department needs to liaise with the former HR in the previous Department to address this.
Do employees who resign or are dismissed qualify to withdraw ILSF savings?
According to Circular 35 of 2025 as states that employees who resign or are dismissed qualify to be paid their ILSF contributions with effect from 1 April 2025.
I have been employed in the Western Cape Education Department since 2016, and I was not informed that I could apply for GEHS.
According to Chapter 2 of the Determination and Directive of Housing at paragraph 8.1 of 2018, “an employee shall start to receive their housing allowance on the employees pay date in the month they submitted their signed application, including the correct documentary proof required”. You will only receive the allowance from the month you complete and submit and fully compliant with housing application. Contribution will commence upon receipt of the fully compliant set of Housing documents, and no retrospective instatement will be permitted.
Will my savings start from scratch when I am transferred to another Department?
The savings will continue and can be withdrawn when an employee acquires home ownership, retires, resigns, is dismissed from the service or when they pass away in service.
What happens to the savings when an employee passes away without having nominated beneficiaries?
The savings will go into the estate of the deceased.
Can I withdraw my savings without enrolling?
Enrolment is mandatory for withdrawal.
Is my saving contribution automatic upon enrolment?
No, your savings will only commence upon receipt of the fully compliant set of Housing documents.