Banking

GEPF Self-Service App: Login & Register Guide 2026

How to download, register and log in to the GEPF Self-Service app — and what each menu actually does. With fixes for the most common "system offline" and password-reset errors.

Updated 12 May 2026 • By Sipho Dlamini • Fact-checked

What you can do

Download your Proof of Pension (WP1002)
Download IRP5, IT3a and IT3b tax certificates
View your current benefit statement
Track resignation or retirement claim status
Request a two-pot savings withdrawal
Update your contact and banking details

Step 1: Download the app

Android

Google Play Store

Search for "GEPF Self Service" — published by Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA).

iPhone

Apple App Store

Search "GEPF Self Service". Same publisher (GPAA).

Prefer desktop? The same service runs at gateway.gepf.gov.za.

Step 2: Register (first-time users)

You'll need your Z-number — your GEPF membership number that starts with "Z". It's on your benefit statement or IRP5. If you don't have one, call GEPF on 0800 117 669 with your ID number.

1
Open the app and tap "Register"

Or click "Sign Up" on the gateway.gepf.gov.za web portal.
2
Enter your Z-number and SA ID number

These must match the GEPF records exactly.
3
Enter a working email and cellphone

You'll get OTPs to both during verification. Use addresses and numbers you actually have access to today.
4
Verify the OTPs

A 6-digit code arrives within minutes via SMS and email. Enter both to proceed.
5
Set a strong password

8+ characters, mix of letters, numbers and a special character. This is also your password for the web portal.
6
Wait for activation (up to 24 hours)

GEPF verifies you against the GPAA database. You'll get an email when your account is live. Most activations complete within 2–4 hours.

Step 3: Log in (returning users)

Open the app or visit gateway.gepf.gov.za.
Enter your Z-number and password.
Verify the OTP sent to your registered cellphone.
Land on your dashboard — benefit statement, tax certificates and claims are in the main menu.

How to download your WP1002

Log in to the Self-Service app or portal.
Tap "My Documents".
Select "Proof of Pension / WP1002".
Tap "Generate" — a fresh PDF is created with today's date.
Tap "Download" or "Email me a copy".

Most institutions require WP1002 to be dated within 30 days. Re-download a fresh copy whenever you submit it.

Common errors and fixes

"System offline" or "Service unavailable"

GEPF Self-Service runs scheduled maintenance most weekends. Try again after 30–60 minutes. If it's offline during business hours for more than 4 hours, email [email protected] with a screenshot.

"Your Z-number could not be verified"

Either the Z-number is wrong, or GEPF's database has different ID details on file. Call 0800 117 669 with your ID to confirm your Z-number and that GEPF holds your correct ID.

"OTP not received"

Check your spam folder for the email OTP. For SMS, confirm the cellphone GEPF has on file — if it's wrong, you'll need to update it via call centre or branch (Self-Service can't reset its own OTP destination).

"Activation pending — try again later"

New registrations take up to 24 hours. If it's been longer than 48 hours, email [email protected] with your Z-number.

"App keeps crashing on Android"

Clear the app cache: Settings → Apps → GEPF Self Service → Storage → Clear Cache. If that fails, uninstall and reinstall. Don't clear data — that wipes your saved login.

GEPF / GPAA contact details

Toll-free

0800 117 669

Self-Service support

[email protected]

General enquiries

[email protected]

Frequently asked questions

What is the GEPF Self-Service app?+

The official mobile and web service that lets GEPF members and pensioners access their benefit statements, tax certificates (IRP5, IT3a, IT3b), proof of pension (WP1002), and track resignation, retirement or two-pot withdrawal claims — without phoning the call centre or visiting an office.

What's a Z-number?+

Your GEPF membership number. It starts with the letter Z followed by digits. You'll find it on your GEPF benefit statement, your IRP5, or by phoning the call centre on 0800 117 669 with your ID number.

How do I register on the Self-Service app?+

Download the GEPF Self-Service app, tap "Register", enter your Z-number, ID number and a working email and cellphone. You'll receive an OTP to verify, then set a password. First-time activation can take 24 hours while GEPF verifies you against the GPAA database.

I forgot my password — how do I reset?+

Tap "Forgot password" on the login screen. Enter your Z-number; an OTP is sent to your registered email and cellphone. Enter the OTP and set a new password. If your email or cellphone has changed, you'll need to update them via the call centre first.

How do I get my WP1002 (Proof of Pension)?+

Once logged in, go to "My Documents" → "Proof of Pension / WP1002". You can download a PDF immediately. Some institutions (banks, retirement villages) require it to be dated within 30 days, so download a fresh copy each time you need to submit it.

How do I track my claim?+

Open the app, go to "My Claims". You'll see the current status of each claim: "Documents received", "With SARS for tax directive", "Banking verification", "Payment released", etc. Status updates roughly every 24 hours.

The app says "System offline" or "Service unavailable"?+

GEPF Self-Service runs scheduled maintenance most weekends. If it's offline during business hours, give it an hour and try again. Persistent issues should be reported to [email protected] with screenshots and your Z-number.

Can I use the Self-Service portal on a desktop browser?+

Yes — log in at gateway.gepf.gov.za. The web portal has the same features as the mobile app. The mobile app is generally faster and more reliable; use the web version if you need to download multiple documents at once.

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