In short: There is no single Sanlam payout clock. It depends on whether you mean a life / risk claim, a retirement or withdrawal claim, a two-pot savings withdrawal, or selling a unit trust / investment. Sanlam’s life-benefit claim guide says they usually give feedback within 10 working days of receiving the claim (or more information). Sanlam Corporate materials say some retirement and withdrawal claims are paid within 10 working days when documents and validations are complete (longer if Section 37D deductions apply). A savings-pot withdrawal may be processed in a few working days but payment can wait on a SARS tax directive. Confirm your product’s process with Sanlam. Not financial advice.
Sources: Sanlam Life Benefit Claim Guide; Sanlam Corporate claims updates (retirement/withdrawal SLA).
1. Life and risk claims
Sanlam’s life-benefit claim guide: they aim to give feedback within 10 working days after you submit the claim, or after you send outstanding information they request. Payment follows if the claim meets the policy terms. Delays happen when documents are missing or waiting periods apply.
2. Retirement and withdrawal claims (fund administration)
Sanlam Corporate has published that, from May 2025, certain retirement claims and many withdrawal options target 10 working days (down from a previous longer turnaround), provided documentation is complete. The SLA can exceed 10 working days where Section 37D deductions (for example pension-backed loans or employer debt) need manual settlement.
3. Two-pot / emergency savings withdrawals
Sanlam materials on emergency savings-pot withdrawals note processing within about 2 to 5 working days, with payment only after SARS issues a tax directive — which can take longer (their poster notes it could take up to a month). Rules and tax change — confirm on Sanlam and SARS for your fund.
4. Unit trusts and discretionary investments
Selling unit trusts or other investment products follows the product’s disinvestment rules and cut-off times. This page does not invent a “2–3 business days” promise for every Sanlam investment. Check your fact sheet, the Sanlam app/online portal, or Client Care for that product.
What slows payouts
- Incomplete forms or outstanding medical / ID documents
- SARS tax directives
- Beneficiary disputes or estate requirements
- Section 37D or other deductions
Where to start
Use the claims path for your product on sanlam.co.za, or contact the Client Care number on your policy / fund statement. Keep your claim reference.
Last checked: September 2026 against Sanlam’s published claim guides and corporate claims updates. Confirm on Sanlam for your product. Not financial advice.