The SSS retirement pension is always an emotional topic for retirees. It’s perfectly understandable—you’ve worked 40 years of your life and paid your SSS contributions without fail. It’s only fair to receive a pension that’s commensurate with the money and years of labor you’ve invested.
But alas, it isn’t the reality for retirees in the Philippines.
Stories of disappointed SSS pensioners[1] are all too common. If you’re a child, nephew/niece, or grandchild of senior citizens, you’ve probably heard endless rants about how little they receive from the SSS. Even the SSS retirement benefit application process may be too cumbersome for them to begin with.
Perhaps, if they knew what to expect before receiving their retirement benefits, they wouldn’t be frustrated as much.
If you’re a soon-to-be SSS pensioner or a family of one, it’s important to set your expectations right. Here’s what you need to understand about SSS retirement benefits and how to file for them.
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What to Know Before Filing an SSS Retirement Claim
The SSS retirement benefit is a cash benefit paid to members of age 60 and above who can no longer work due to old age. SSS gives it either in a monthly pension or in a one-time lump sum cash.
Applying for an SSS retirement pension without understanding everything about it can lead to a heartbreak. Here are some links to useful information that you can check:
- Types of retirement benefits[2] for SSS retiree-members
- Qualifying conditions[3] for the SSS benefit
- SSS retirement computation
- Best time to file for retirement claim
SSS Pension Requirements
Before filing for retirement benefits, gather the following document requirements.
- Completed Retirement Claim Application (RCA) Form[4] or Application for DDR Benefit Form[5] (under the Portability Law, if applicable)
- SSS ID, UMID card, or two valid IDs with photo and signature (See the list of accepted IDs here[6].)
- Photo and Signature Card[7] with 1 x 1 photo and fingerprints
- Savings account number and photocopy of passbook, UMID card enrolled as ATM, or accomplished debit/cash card enrollment form
If a representative will file for a retirement claim on behalf of a retiree-member, the SSS requires these additional documents:
- Authorized representative’s primary ID (SSS ID, UMID, PRC card, Seaman’s Book, or Alien Certificate of Registration) or two secondary IDs
- Letter of Authority (LOA) with the SSS member’s signature or Special Power of Attorney (SPA) that specifically states the authority to file on behalf of and sign for the member
For special cases (like members aged 60 to 64, SSS employees, underground mineworkers, etc.), the SSS requires additional supporting documents.
How to Apply for SSS Retirement Benefit
SSS retiree-members have two options when filing for a retirement claim: over-the-counter application and online application using the My.SSS portal.
If you’ll apply personally or through a representative, submit all your document requirements at the nearest SSS branch.
Online Retirement Benefit Application
If you’re registered with the SSS Member Portal, here are the things you need to know before you apply for your SSS retirement benefit.
Qualifying Conditions for Filing an SSS Retirement Claim Online
You can apply online via the My.SSS portal only if you’re filing for a technical retirement claim. You’re qualified for technical retirement if you’re at least 65 years old, employed or not. The SSS also requires the following conditions before you can apply online:
- At least 120 monthly SSS contributions before the semester of claiming
- No dependents
- Not an underground mineworker
- No unpaid SSS loan balance, except for salary, calamity, and salary loan renewal program
- No pending case with the Social Security Commission
- Qualified for technical retirement based on Eligibility Inquiry of the Online Web Inquiry System (WINS)
- No canceled SSS number/s
- No submitted SSS retirement claim
Retirees can file an online application for technical retirement within six months before the retirement date. The SSS benefit payment will be done on the actual retirement date.
Steps to File for Retirement Claim via My.SSS Portal
- Log in to the SSS Member Portal. After a successful log-in, you’ll be taken to the My.SSS Portal Home page.
- Click Electronic Services.
- Click Retirement Application. This will take you to the Online Retirement Benefits Application page.
- Check your profile and employment history. Contact the SSS if you find any inaccurate data.
- Answer the questions and follow the instructions on how to proceed with your application.
How are Retirement Benefits Paid?
If SSS approves your retirement claim, you’ll receive a notice voucher with details on when to withdraw your benefit from the bank.
SSS Retirement Benefit Withdrawal
SSS will pay your monthly pension through an SSS-accredited bank (such as BPI, PNB, China Bank, or DBP) that you chose during your retirement benefit application. Or you may use your UMID card to withdraw your benefits from ATMs of participating banks such as PNB, UnionBank, Security Bank, and AUB.
Thus, you need to open a savings account with an SSS-accredited bank before submitting your retirement benefit application. Banks like PNB offer dedicated bank accounts for SSS pensioners with a low initial deposit and minimum maintaining balance of PHP 100.
Advanced SSS Pension Claim
Pensioners have the option to receive their pension for the first 18 months as a lump-sum payment. This advanced SSS pension payment applies only when filing for the first retirement claim. SSS will pay the succeeding monthly pension starting on the 19th month.
Possible Deductions in Retirement Benefit
Expect that you might not receive your monthly pension in full because SSS deducts any of the following, if applicable to you:
- All unpaid SSS loans
- Overlapping SSS sickness and partial disability benefits
- Overpaid pension due to dependent’s death, employment, or marriage
Final Thoughts
Got any questions or concern about your SSS retirement benefit application? You can reach the SSS through these channels (Include your SSS number in your message):
- Email: member_relations@sss.gov.ph
- Facebook page: facebook.com/SSSPh/[8]
- Twitter: @PHLSSS[9]
Read more: 10 Helpful SSS Benefits You Might Not Know Of
Sources:
- [1] SSS shatters retiree’s dream of financial security
- [2] Types of Retirement Benefit
- [3] Retirement Benefit Qualifying Conditions
- [4] Retirement Claim Application (RCA) Form
- [5] Application for DDR Benefit Form
- [6] SSS List of Accepted IDs
- [7] Photo and Signature Card
- [8] SSS Facebook
- [9] SSS Twitter
Venus is the Head of Editorial Content at Moneymax, with 15+ years of experience in digital marketing, corporate communications, PR, and journalism. She invests in stocks, mutual funds, VUL, and Pag-IBIG MP2. Outside of work, she’s crazy about cats and Korean dramas. Follow Venus on LinkedIn.
