GEHS: The 2022 Guide to the Government Employees Housing Scheme

The GEHS (Government Employees Housing Scheme) is a benefit scheme for government employees that offers housing access services. GEHS aims to ensure that employees have access to adequate housing on a sustainable basis.

All people employed in the public service in National and Provincial Departments qualify to enrol for GEHS. To access GEHS services, you are required to register on the GEHS website and provide information about your housing circumstances.

How much is the GEHS allowance?

The housing allowance is R1200 and is paid as a monthly contribution to qualifying employees to assist with the recurring costs of their accommodation. The amount paid will be adjusted according to inflation yearly in July.

There are differences in terms of homeownership as to how the allowance is paid:

• Employees who own houses will be paid the total housing allowance.
• Employees who do not own a house (tenants) will have the total housing allowance diverted and accumulated into the Individual Linked Savings Facility until they acquire homeownership. Employees who were employed before 27th May 2015 will continue to receive R900, and R300 will be diverted to the GEHS Individual Link Saving Facility (ILSF). For employees employed after 27th May 2015, the R1200 will be redirected to the GEHS Individual Link Saving Facility.

The GEHS Individual-Linked Savings Facility is administered by the GEHS Office and assists in saving funds whilst earning interest. Employees will receive periodic balances of accumulated savings, and a tax deduction is deferred until the withdrawal of funds.

Who is not eligible for GEHS?

Employees on total-cost-to–employer packages shall not be eligible to receive the housing allowance, save for all other provisions and services of GEHS.

Employees may access two types of housing loans through lenders who participate in GEHS

1. Non-Mortgage Housing Loan (Un-bonded)
   A non-mortgage housing loan is accessed from a registered financial institution for buying, building or renovating your house.
    
2. Mortgage-based Housing Loan (Bond)
   A mortgage-based housing loan is accessed from a registered financial institution for buying, building or renovating a house. A house is usually held as security for the loan.

How can SA Home Loans assist with your GEHS application?

Homeownership is one of the most significant financial investments you are likely to make and – more importantly – the best investment you can make for the security and comfort of your family. We are proud to mention that the DPSA, GEPF and PIC have partnered with SA Home Loans to offer home finance opportunities through GEHS that will enable qualifying employees to own their own homes.

If you are interested in homeownership through GEHS, we can help you through the process so you can invest in your future.
We will provide guidance and education on housing opportunities and affordability to government employees to support them in accessing sustainable housing solutions.

An SA Home Loans consultant will assist you with getting started with GEHS, but listed below are the documents you'll need to provide to get your home loan application processed:

• Last three months' payslips
• Copy of ID
• Copy of marriage certificate or antenuptial contract
• Copy of offer to purchase agreement*
• 3 Months' bank statements
• For commission earners: proof of the last three months' commission earnings

For joint home loan applications, both applicants must provide the above documents. Any missing documents may cause delays – so have these ready before you apply to ensure the fastest response. After applying, we will update you on your home loan and make the process simple and enjoyable. SA Home Loans also offers the GEHS Housing Access Loan, which you may use to buy, build or improve a home on land with no title deeds.

Benefits of working with SA Home Loans

SA Home Loans is a specialist home loan provider that lends money on home loans just like the banks.

• We only provide home loans, so we have the focus and expertise to bring you the best products and services.
• We pride ourselves on client service and are regularly voted "Best in Home Loans" in media surveys across the country.
• Our consultants ensure they understand your unique circumstances, help you complete your application, and guide you through the process.

To find out more, call 0860 4444 17 or email [email protected].