Two-Pot Withdrawal: How Long It Takes, How to Apply and Why Claims Get Delayed
Prices and facts checked 16 October 2026. We don't accept payment for rankings.
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Short answer: most funds say a two-pot savings withdrawal takes about 5 to 20 working days to reach your bank account, once your claim is complete and SARS has issued a tax directive. The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) gives itself up to 60 working days. The most common delays are wrong tax or bank details, not being registered for tax, and money owed to SARS (GEPF; National Fund; SARS).
General information, not financial advice. A withdrawal is taxed and permanently reduces your retirement savings. Check your own fund's rules, fees and service times before you apply.
How long each fund says it takes
| Fund | Stated payout time | Admin fee |
|---|---|---|
| National Fund (Sanlam-administered) | 5 to 10 working days | Deducted from the withdrawal, amount not stated |
| Sanlam umbrella funds (2024 employer guide) | Up to 10 business days | R330 + VAT (R379.50) |
| Transport Sector Retirement Fund | "At least two weeks" | Processing fee, amount not stated |
| GEPF (government employees) | Within 60 working days | Not stated in the claim guide |
Sources: National Fund; Sanlam employer guide; TSRF; GEPF claim process. Checked 16 October 2026. Service times are what each fund publishes, not guarantees. Busy periods, such as the start of a new tax year on 1 March, can be slower.
Your fund isn't listed? Retirement annuity providers and umbrella funds publish their own service times on their member portals. Search your fund's name plus "two-pot" or check the app before you claim.
How to apply, step by step
National Treasury's rule is simple: you apply directly to your retirement fund, not to SARS (Treasury two-pot FAQ). The fund won't pay out automatically. Using GEPF's self-service process as an example (GEPF):
- Log in to your fund's app or member portal and choose to submit a claim.
- Check your available savings-pot balance. You need at least R2,000, and you can only withdraw once per tax year.
- Use the calculator or request a quote to see the tax and fee before you commit.
- Confirm your bank details. They must be in your name and verified.
- Confirm your income tax number. The fund needs it for the SARS tax directive.
- Submit, then track the claim in the app.
Behind the scenes, your fund asks SARS for a tax directive. SARS calculates the tax at your marginal rate and tells the fund how much to withhold. Then the fund pays you the balance, after its admin fee.
Why two-pot claims get delayed or reduced
| Problem | What happens | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Not registered for tax | SARS rejects the directive request, so the fund can't pay you | Register on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp before you claim (SARS) |
| Wrong tax number, ID or surname | The fund and SARS records don't match | Update your details with the fund, including a surname change after marriage or divorce (National Fund) |
| Unverified bank details | Payment is held | Check the account is in your name. Funds won't pay third parties |
| You owe SARS | SARS attaches an IT88L stop order, so the debt is paid from your withdrawal first | Check your SARS statement of account first. You may receive less, or nothing |
| Second claim in the same tax year | The claim is declined | One withdrawal per tax year (1 March to end of February) |
| Balance under R2,000 | The claim is declined | Tax and fees come off after the R2,000 minimum, so you'll receive less than R2,000 |
Watch out for scams
You never need to pay anyone to "unlock" or "fast-track" your two-pot money. Apply only through your fund's official app, website or call centre. Be wary of WhatsApp numbers shared on social media. Use the contact details on your fund's official website or benefit statement.
Before you withdraw
- Estimate what you'll actually get. Use our two-pot withdrawal tax calculator. Tax is 18% to 45% depending on your income, plus the fund's fee.
- Think about the long-term cost. Treasury points out that you lose the amount withdrawn plus all its future growth, and that money left until retirement attracts less tax.
- It's a once-a-year option. If you withdraw now for a small amount, you can't withdraw again until the next tax year starts on 1 March.
FAQ
How long does a two-pot withdrawal take?
Usually about 5 to 20 working days once your claim is complete. For example, the National Fund says 5 to 10 working days, Sanlam's 2024 guide says up to 10 business days, and GEPF says within 60 working days.
Why is my two-pot withdrawal taking so long?
Common reasons include incorrect tax or bank details, not being registered for tax, SARS still issuing the tax directive, or high claim volumes. Check your claim status on your fund's app and make sure SARS has your correct details.
Do I apply to SARS for my two-pot withdrawal?
No. You apply to your retirement fund. The fund then requests a tax directive from SARS.
Why did I get less than I expected?
Tax at your marginal rate, the fund's admin fee and any money you owe SARS are all deducted before you're paid.
Can I withdraw from my two-pot savings more than once a year?
No. Only one withdrawal is allowed per tax year, with a minimum of R2,000.
How long does GEPF take to pay two-pot claims?
GEPF's claim guide says payment will take place within 60 working days of submitting a claim.
Sources
Pages we used for this article, checked on or before the update date above.
- GEPF · gepf.co.za
- National Fund · nationalfund.co.za
- SARS · sars.gov.za
- Sanlam employer guide · seb-news.sanlam.co.za
- TSRF · tsrf.co.za
- Treasury two-pot FAQ · treasury.gov.za
Changelog: 16 Oct 2026, first published.