Experiences of planning for pension benefits among retired primary school teachers in Tanzania

This qualitative study explored pension benefits planning among retired primary school teachers in Tanzania. The guiding research question was, “What practices do retired primary school teachers engage in when planning their pension benefits?” Data was collected from 14 informants through in-depth interviews and analysed thematically. Findings reveal that time influenced informants' planning for their pension benefits with reference to planning initiations and commencements. Further, the study highlights the involvement of various stakeholders in the planning process and its realisation; these include children, spouses, parents and religious leaders. This study enhances the understanding of how retired primary school teachers plan and manage their once-paid lump-sum pension benefits towards achieving well-being. The findings provide insights and reflections for social work practitioners and the government on tapping the experiences and practices of financially empowered retired primary school teachers, other retirees and prospective retirees to enhance their planning for pension benefits and optimise their wellbeing with their pension benefits.