How To Check NHIF Penalties for Late Payments | Step By Step Guide

Are you looking for a way to check NHIF Penalties for Late Payments for the employed, self-employed individuals, OR How to check NHIF penalties online, How to pay NHIF penalty, NHIF penalty for the employer, and More? If yes, then this informative article is for you. You will be given detailed information about NHIF Penalties and More.

The National Hospital Insurance fund was established in 1966 as a department under the Ministry of Health to cater to Kenyans’ health care needs. All members pay a monthly fee, enabling them to access healthcare services in listed private and public hospitals. Members who violate the stipulated terms of payment will be liable to NHIF penalties for late payments.

The NHIF penalties for late payments were put in place to ensure the fund members are diligent in making prompt payment of their dues. Employers have to ensure that their workers’ payments are timely to avoid inconveniences as they seek health services. To avoid disruption of required services, individuals who are self-employed also have to pay in due time.

NHIF Penalties For Late Payments In Kenya

The original act of parliament governing the state parastatal has been reviewed severally over the years. Currently, the medical scheme falls under the 1998 NHIF act. In case an employer or individual member defaults on payments, then the stipulated NHIF Kenya penalties will apply.

Failure to make the required monthly payments hinders members and their loved ones from accessing the all-important health services, causing much frustration. The medical cover seeks to provide affordable and accessible health services, and interference with this can have dire consequences.

NHIF Penalties Kenya For The Employed

According to the NHIF act regulations, the employer must make payments on the 9th of every month. If an employer fails to submit the statutory deductions of their employees, the employer will be liable to pay the penalty under the act. In such a case, the employee will not have to pay any fine under this section of the act for the period they are employed.

NHIF Penalties For Self-Employed Individuals

Any self-employed person who earns a monthly income of more than KShs 1000 monthly or an equivalent of KShs 12000 annually is required to pay a monthly contribution of KShs 500 by the 9th of every month. If the person’s earnings are constantly fluctuating, he must pay the dues upfront, either half-yearly, quarterly, or annually.

If you fail to pay your monthly payments or make a late payment, you incur a penalty of Ksh 250 per month. Besides, you will also pay the monthly premium in cases where you had made no payment.

How To Check NHIF Penalties Online

Thanks to technology, you can now check your NHIF status from the convenience of your device. Here are the steps to achieve this:

1. Visit the official website www.nhif.or.ke.
2. Sign in at the self-service portal.
3. To register, you will need your NHIF card number. You will use your email address and phone number.
4. Fill in the details, save, then submit.
5. Create your password, which you will be using to log in to the online portal
6. Log in at the self-service portal.
7. You can now view your account status, including contributions, NHIF rates and penalties, and balance.

Some members may prefer to use the Short Message Service (SMS). Here is what you need to do:

1. Compose a new SMS
2. Type the letters ID, space, then input your ID number (or passport number where applicable), e.g. ID 12345678
3. Send to 21101

The text you receive will show your registration details and the last payment date. This service comes at an SMS fee of KShs 10.

How To Pay NHIF Penalty

There are various methods that employers or individuals can use to pay their accrued penalties. However, several members have been asking, ”Can I pay NHIF penalty via M-pesa?” Yes, you can. Most people prefer this option because it is convenient, and does not require them to visit a physical office. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Go to your M-pesa Menu.
2. Click on Lipa Na M-pesa.
3. Select Paybill.
4. Enter Business Number(200222).
5. Enter your National ID number as the account number and add the letter ‘Y,’ for instance, 12345678y. Use of this letter treats the payment as a penalty.
6. Enter the amount to contribute.
7. Input your M-pesa PIN and send.
8. A confirmation message containing the details of your NHIF payment will be sent to your phone.

How To Pay NHIF Penalty For Employer

If they fail to remit their workers’ statutory deductions, it is the employer’s burden to ensure that the penalties are paid in full. It is essential for employees to constantly check their NHIF status to avoid continuous lack of payment and salvage a situation before it gets out of hand.

For employers wishing to pay an accrued penalty, the amount is generated through the NHIF office. These discrepancies can also be picked during the regular inspections carried out by NHIF staff. Employers make a direct deposit to the specified bank accounts. These dues can be paid at Kenya Commercial Bank, Equity Bank, National bank, or Cooperative bank.

The penalties have to be paid at the bank branches and not through their agents. Members of the scheme have an allowance of 5 days from the date of paying a late contribution to complete payment of penalties.

How To Activate NHIF After Defaulting

Once you have cleared all pending payments, you can continue enjoying the benefits of the NHIF medical scheme. Self-employed members who have defaulted for more than 12 months have to register afresh for membership.

Employed members must get a letter from the new employer and a duly filled amendment form requesting a change. There are options available for those who wish to reactivate their NHIF membership.

You can pay the principal amount then wait for sixty days before you can resume using the service. If not, you can pay the arrears plus penalties and be activated immediately. However, a waiting period of 60 days will be affected. A charge of KShs 1500 will apply for those who wish to reactivate their card to continue using it.

The NHIF penalties for late payments by members of the medical scheme are in place so that clients are keen to honour their monthly commitment, which facilitates the fund’s smooth running. This ensures that every beneficiary receives their due benefits according to the premiums paid.

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