The SSS in the Philippines underwent a few major reforms in their pension programs in 2025. These reforms aim at improving the frequency of financial support for SSS members. For instance, qualified retirees are now expected to receive up to ₱4,800 per month, along with changes in monthly pension amounts. It is well described in this article, how to obtain the latest information about this, such as eligibility criteria, application processes, and added benefits.
Key Highlights of the Changes in SSS Pensions for 2025
In 2025, SSS reported multiple keystroke changes in the pension system aimed at profitability improvement for clients at the time of retirement. In fact, an increase in the standard pension was given, as well as minimums adjusted according to the number of years a member contributed, as well as applying a 2.5% across-the-board cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all SSS pensions in order to cushion the pensioners from the blows of inflation. The criteria of entitlement have also been revised to cover more self-employed, freelancers, and gig workers.
Eligibility Requirements for the ₱4,800 Pension Scheme
Two primary prerequisites have to be satisfied before any member can be entitled to that super maximum monthly pension of ₱4,800. Active contributing members of the SSS for at least 20 years of credited service or 240 monthly contributions enjoy the new monthly pension.
- Additionally, it has to be noted that under the retirement age requirement, eligible members can opt to retire starting at 55 if they are engaged in physically strenuous jobs and receive a reduced pension, or retire at age 60 for full benefits.
- For Members who meet the qualifications of 20 or more years of contributions, the new monthly pension could reach ₱6,000 or more depending on the final salary credit.
How to Apply to Obtain SSS Pension
The SSS pension has a fairly long application process. First, the applicant must prepare all required documents such as the Retirement Claim Application (RCA) form, SSS digitized ID or E-6 where the applicant’s fingerprints are required to appear on two valid IDs, certified true copies of birth and marriage certificates (if applicable), and details of the bank account for which the pension will be released.
- Submitting the application must then follow at the nearest SSS branch. Those with health conditions that prevent personal visits can have an authorized representative apply on their behalf.
- The next step is for applicants to enroll in a disbursement account via the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) at the SSS website. Disbursement methods that will be accepted are through NMID card link to ATM, PESONet participating banks, and e-wallets or remittance transfer companies.
- Typically, processing of applications takes about five to seven banking days. Notifications of the application will be sent through SMS or e-mail once processing is done.
Further Pensioners’ Benefits
In addition to the basic pension, SSS pensioners also get some additional benefits: a 13th month pension, where pensioners are paid some pension amount in December every year; the dependent’s pension that gives 10% of the monthly pension amount or ¥250, whichever is higher, for each dependent child. Pensioners also have access to a pension loan program that lends low-interest loans without affecting the normal pension payments.
Important Notes to Pensioners
To ensure continued receipt of benefits, the annual confirmation of pensioners (ACOP) must be completed by pensioners. A monthly pension can be suspended if under special circumstances the pensioner returns to work.
The primary beneficiaries can claim and receive 100% of the monthly pension upon the death of the pensioner. Every member may refer to the official SSS website for additional inquiries or assistance or visit the nearest SSS branch.