All this happened 2005 .....
The final payslip was like a normal month - I retired on the 20th of the month and the pay was in my account on the 23rd of the same month. The gratuity payment advice slip I still have states "Payment due at bank not before 27th ..." of my retirement month. All quite quick, really!
But first you must make sure that you have been through the multiple visits and endless form-filling at Station Bluntie HQ . I'm sure being pedantic about ensuring all the t's were crossed and i's dotted helped!