SSNIT Calculator
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate SSNIT contributions — the 18.5% of basic salary (13% employer + 5.5% employee), the 13.5%/5% Tier 1-2 split, and the pension your SSNIT years are building.
Quick answer: Ghana’s three-tier system: 18.5% of basic — employer 13% + employee 5.5% — split 13.5% to SSNIT (Tier 1) and 5% to a private occupational scheme (Tier 2); Tier 3 is voluntary with tax breaks. Pension: 37.5-60% of best-3-year average salary at 60.
The Three Tiers
| Tier 1 (mandatory) | 13.5% to SSNIT — defined-benefit pension + survivors/invalidity |
| Tier 2 (mandatory) | 5% to a private occupational scheme — lump sum at retirement |
| Tier 3 (voluntary) | Up to 16.5% with tax relief — provident top-up |
The Pension Formula
At 60 (55 reduced) with 180+ months of contributions: pension = best-3-year average annual salary × (37.5% + 1.125% per year beyond 15), capped at 60%. 25 years → 48.75% replacement of your best-average salary, indexed annually.
Worked Example
GH₵ 6,000 basic: employee 330 + employer 780 = 1,110/month (810 to SSNIT, 300 to Tier 2). At 25 years with a 6,000 best-average: Tier 1 pension ≈ GH₵ 2,925/month + the Tier 2 lump sum.
Member Hygiene
Check your SSNIT statement (app/portal) yearly — unremitted employer deductions are the classic theft; the 180-month minimum decides pension-vs-refund at 60, so near-threshold members should finish the months. Tier 2 trustee choice matters: fees and returns vary — ask which trustee holds your 5%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SSNIT contribution rates?
18.5% of basic salary — 13% employer + 5.5% employee — split 13.5% to SSNIT (Tier 1) and 5% to your Tier 2 occupational scheme.
How much pension does SSNIT pay?
37.5% of your best-3-year average salary at 15 contribution years, +1.125% per extra year, capped at 60% — from age 60 (55 reduced).
What is Tier 2?
The mandatory 5% privately-managed occupational scheme paying a retirement lump sum — separate trustee, separate statement.
What if I have under 180 months at 60?
A refund of contributions (with interest) instead of a pension — worth avoiding by voluntary continuation if close.
Is Tier 3 worth it?
Voluntary contributions up to 16.5% carry tax relief and build a provident balance — Ghana’s main tax-advantaged savings vehicle.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026