2016 SSS Guidebook Retirement
2016 SSS Guidebook Retirement
2016 SSS Guidebook Retirement
The retirement benefit is a cash benefit paid either in monthly pension or as lump sum to
a member who can no longer work due to old age.
1. Monthly pension a lifetime cash benefit paid to a retiree on a regular monthly basis.
2. Lump sum amount one-time payment granted to a retiree. The amount is equal to the
total contributions paid by the member and/or by his/her ERs, including interest earned.
1. Member must have paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of
retirement and is any of the following, whichever is applicable:
a) at least 60 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE/
OFW/Household Helper (optional retirement);
b) at least 65 years old whether still employed/SE, working as OFW/Household Helper or
not (technical retirement);
c) at least 55 years old and separated from employment or has ceased to be an SE, if an
underground mineworker (optional retirement);
d) at least 60 years old whether still employed/SE or not, if an underground mineworker
(technical retirement); or
e) a total disability pensioner who has recovered from disability and is at least 60 years old
(or at least 55 years old, if an underground mineworker).
3. A member who is 60 years old and above, but not yet 65, with 120 contributions or more
may continue paying as VM up to 65 years old to avail of the higher amount of benefit.
What are the other terms and conditions for retirement of Underground
Mineworkers?
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miners, bull-gang workers, etc. and any other person working underground regardless of
positions such as geologist, security guards, mechanics or sampler.
An Underground Mineworker must have been employed as such for at least five (5) years
(either continuous or accumulated) prior to the semester of retirement as certified by his/her
ER/s, regardless if employment as underground mineworker is his/her last or not. The actual
date of retirement should not be earlier than March 13, 1998 and the ER/s must be duly
registered with the Bureau of Mines as a mining company.
Member is at least 60 years old (or 55 years old, if an underground mineworker) for
optional retirement, or 65 years old (or 60 years old, if an underground mineworker) for
technical retirement, and has paid less than 120 monthly contributions
A member filing for retirement benefit and has paid less than 120 monthly contributions
shall be given the option to continue paying the contributions as a VM to complete the 120
months to avail the full benefits thru monthly pension.
The monthly pension of a member who retires after age 60 and who has contributed the
required 120 monthly contributions shall be the higher of the following:
a) monthly pension computed at the earliest time the member could have retired had he/she
been separated from employment or ceased to be SE, plus all adjustments thereto; or
b) monthly pension computed at the time when the member actually retires.
A retiree has the option to receive the first eighteen (18) months pension in lump sum,
discounted at a preferential rate of interest to be determined by the SSS. This option can be
exercised only upon filing of the first retirement claim, and only advance payments shall be
discounted on the date of payment. The Dependents Pension and 13th Month Pension are
excluded from the advanced 18 months pension. Should there be an increase in the monthly
pension within the 18-month period, the same shall also be subjected to interest.
The retiree will receive the regular pension on the 19th month and every month
thereafter.
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What are the possible deductions in the retirement benefit?
All unpaid short-term member loans of members claiming for retirement benefit,
whether or not the term of payment has expired as of contingency date, shall be deducted in full
from the proceeds of the benefit payments. The date of contingency shall be the cut-off date for
charging interest and penalty. Also to be deducted are overlapping sickness and partial disability
benefits, if any. If there is overpaid pension due to dependents death, employment or marriage,
these shall also be deducted from the monthly pension.
How can a member know when is the optimum time to file for retirement so
that he/she gets the most of the benefit?
A member shall be advised of the amount of the monthly pension benefit that he/she will
receive upon filing of the retirement application and the amount that he/she will stand to
receive if he/she decides to continue paying contributions as a VM.
A member filing for optional retirement (60 years old) and who has paid at least 120
monthly contributions shall be given the option to continue paying voluntary contributions up
to 65 years old to avail of higher retirement benefit upon reaching 65.
Meanwhile, a member who is already 65 years old or older shall be given the option to
pay voluntary contributions ONLY IF he/she has not yet attained the required 120 monthly
contributions to be eligible for monthly pension. However, payment of contributions shall be
allowed only up to 120 months.
The monthly pension shall be suspended upon the re-employment or resumption of self-
employment of a retired member who is less than 65 years of old. The member shall again be
subjected to compulsory coverage. At 65 years old, whether employed or not, he/she can file a
claim again for retirement benefit.
How much will be the monthly pension of a member who filed for optional
retirement at age 60, becomes re-employed, and then re-applies for
technical retirement at age 65?
A pensioner who retires more than once shall be entitled to the higher of:
1. the monthly pension computed for the first retirement claim; or
2. the re-computed monthly pension for the new claim.
The monthly pension is paid thru the designated bank account opened by the member
under the SSS Pensioners Remittance thru Bank Program. This became mandatory effective
September 1, 1993.
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A member must open a single savings account (or use an existing one, if any) and submit
to the SSS the savings account number and a photocopy of the passbook upon filing of
application, or he/she may accomplish the Visa Cash Card Enrollment Form. The original
passbook must be presented for authentication purposes. For ATM accounts, the name of the
member must be embossed and the savings account number must be indicated in the ATM card;
otherwise, a copy of the deposit slip must be submitted.
For members without an existing single savings account, the SSS will issue an LOI form
to be presented to his/her chosen SSS-accredited bank for the purpose of opening a single
savings account.
Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice voucher to the member informing
him/her when to withdraw the benefit from the bank.
Effective May 2016, the member may opt to receive the lump sum benefits for SS and EC
Disability, SS Death and Retirement directly through his/her bank account, instead of receiving
the check through the mail. The Payment thru-the-Bank Program shall become mandatory upon
implementation of the Benefits Workflow System.
The member will be asked to open a single savings account (or use an existing one, if
any) and submit to SSS a photocopy of any of the following: a) the savings account passbook;
b) the ATM card bearing the members name and account number; c) a validated initial deposit
slip; d) bank statement or certification; or e) Visa Cash Card Enrollment Form, upon filing of
benefit application. The original passbook/ATM card must be presented for authentication
purposes.
For members without an existing single savings account, the SSS shall issue an LOI form
to be presented to his/her chosen SSS-accredited bank for the purpose of opening a single
savings account.
Upon approval of the claim, the SSS will mail a notice-voucher to the member informing
him/her when to withdraw the benefit from the bank.
Can a retiree who was granted a lump sum benefit resume paying
contributions to qualify for pension benefit?
A retiree who wishes to convert the lump sum benefit paid to him/her to lifetime pension
shall be allowed to return the SSS check within six (6) months from the date of settlement. Upon
payment of the lacking contributions, the retiree shall be qualified to avail pension benefits
under RA 1161, as amended by RA 8282 (SS Law), or under RA 7699 (Portability Law), for SSS
members only.
If the SSS check has been encashed, a one percent (1%) interest per month shall be
charged effective from the date of encashment up to the time of application for pension. The
check amount plus the interest shall be deducted from the proceeds of the pension benefit.
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Aside from the retirement benefit, what else can a retiree receive?
Moreover, retiree pensioners prior to the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 are
automatically considered members of PhilHealth, and they and their legal dependents are
entitled to its hospitalization benefits. On the other hand, retirees effective March 4, 1995 up to
the present will be entitled to hospitalization benefits under PhilHealth only if they have
contributed 120 monthly Medicare contributions. The counting of 120 monthly contributions
shall start in 1972, when the Medical Care Act of 1969 started implementation.
A copy of DDR print-out indicating the type of claim is retirement in nature and the
effectivity date of pension or in its absence, a Copy of Retiree-Pensioner Certification issued by
SSS shall be required. They need to register with PhilHealth for the issuance of a PhilHealth ID
card for Non-Paying Members.
2. A child who has entered into a common-law relationship and has not attained the age of
eighteen (18). However, upon reaching the age of 18, the child shall stop receiving
dependents pension.
In cases where there are five (5) or more dependent legitimate, legitimated, legally
adopted and illegitimate children, the dependent legitimate, legitimated, and legally adopted
children shall be preferred. Where there are less than five (5) legitimate, legitimated, or legally
adopted children, the illegitimate children shall be considered to complete the maximum five (5)
dependents.
For how long will the dependent child receive the pension?
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is gainfully employed;
marries;
enters into a common-law relationship upon attaining at least 18 years of age; or
attains the age of 18 while having a common-law relationship.
Upon the death of a retiree pensioner, the primary beneficiaries shall be entitled to 100
percent of the monthly pension and the dependents to the dependents pension. If the retiree
pensioner dies within 60 months from the start of the monthly pension and has no primary
beneficiaries, the secondary beneficiaries shall be entitled to a lump sum benefit equivalent to
the total monthly pensions corresponding to the balance of the five-year guaranteed period,
excluding the dependents pension.
What is the prescriptive period in filing for claim for retirement benefit?
There is no prescriptive period for the filing of initial retirement benefit. However, all
claims with the SSS and all petitions with the SSC assailing said settled claims, should be filed
within ten (10) years from denial/settlement.
The 10-year prescriptive period shall not apply to the following cases:
1. Claims for adjustment for reasons not attributable to the member/claimant, such as:
Unposted contributions and additional CYS;
Payment for additional dependent/s if it was established that the dependent/s
was/were inadvertently excluded by SSS in the payment of benefit or date of birth
was erroneously encoded;
Change in the date of contingency if the correct date of contingency was not
considered by SSS in the computation of retirement benefit; or
Other analogous cases.
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2. Claims for re-adjudication due to:
Change of guardian of member/dependent/s;
Emancipation or death of dependents;
Resumption of monthly pension that was suspended/cancelled due to Annual
Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP); or
Other analogous cases.
Can a member with a settled retirement benefit still correct his/her date of
birth to re-adjudicate the benefit?
The date of birth appearing in the members SSS record shall be presumed correct and
no further documentation shall be required to establish the same in the payment of retirement
benefit unless the member presents proof to the contrary.
1. If the correct date of birth is earlier than the date of birth used in the adjudication of
retirement benefit, correction of date of birth shall be based on PSA/NSO-issued birth
certificate, except for PSA/NSO birth certificate registered after the 55th birthday of the
member.
The request for correction of date of birth shall be exercised only once.
2. If the SSS discovers that the correct date of birth is later than what has been used in the
adjudication of benefit resulting in the over payment of retirement benefit, the SSS shall
effect the correction, make necessary adjustment on the benefits, and collect the
overpayment.
A retiree who paid voluntary contributions but was not previously or has no single
contribution paid as covered EE or SE shall be allowed to register upon determination of his/her
coverability as SE, per declaration made in the Affidavit of Declaration of Source of Income for
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purposes of adjudication of retirement or if records could show that benefit payments have been
previously granted.
A retiree-member who was declared presumptively dead by final judgement from the
Court/SSC or pursuant to SSC Resolution No. 695-s.81 and was granted death benefit is still
entitled to retirement benefit if he/she reappeared. However, the death benefit paid to his/her
beneficiaries shall be deducted from the proceeds of the retirement benefit.
4. Determination of ER Liability
D. Computation of ER Liability
1. For non-reporting, the ER shall pay the SSS damages equivalent to the following:
If lump sum benefit - Amount of benefit to which EE would have been entitled.
If pension - Accumulated pension due from the date of contingency up to the date of
settlement of claim or to the five (5) years pension, whichever is higher, including
dependents and 13th month pension.
If lump sum benefit - Difference between the amount of benefit to which the EE is
entitled.
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If pension - Difference on the accumulated pension due from the date of contingency
up to the date of settlement of the claim or to the five (5) years pension, whichever is
higher, including dependents and 13th month pension.
In addition under Items 1 and 2, the ER shall also be liable for the payment of the
corresponding unremitted contributions and penalties thereon apart from penal
sanctions, if warranted.
If the member has two (2) or more ERs, each ERs liability shall be based on the
contributions the member has under the liable ER.
What forms and documents are needed in filing for a retirement benefit?
1. If filed by Member:
B. SSS Forms:
1. SSS Retirement Claim Application (RCA) Form; or
Application for DDR Benefit under the Portability Law, if applicable
2. Members Photo and Signature Card
If ATM card of married female member is still under her maiden name, submit
Marriage Contract/Certificate.
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If member cannot open a savings account or cannot apply for debit/cash card,
submit a written request for exemption from the Pensioners Remittance
Program stating reason for the request.
Note: LOA/SPA should be valid within six (6) months if issued in the Philippines or one
(1) year if issued abroad.
All equivalent ID cards/documents with English translation issued by a foreign
government shall be accepted.
Refer to Supplemental List of Documentary Requirements for Retirement Benefit
for the additional supporting documents for special cases.
Present the original and submit photocopy of valid ID cards/documents for authentication
purposes, and submit original/certified true copy of supporting documents.
A. Identification Documents
In the absence of Primary ID cards/documents (see list on Page 73), any two (2) of the
following Secondary ID cards/documents, both with signature, and at least one (1) with photo:
Postal ID
Company or School ID
OWWA ID
Senior Citizen ID
Firearm License Card issued by PNP
TIN card
ID Card issued by LGUs (e.g., Barangay/Municipality/City)
ID Card issued by professional associations recognized by PRC
Pag-IBIG ID Card/Member's Data Form
PhilHealth ID Card/Members Data Record
Voters ID or Voters Affidavit/Certificate of Registration
GSIS ID Card/Members Record/Certificate of Membership
Credit Card (with name and signature)
Fish Workers License Card issued by BFAR
Health or Medical Card
Residency card/Work permit issued by foreign governments
Marriage Contract/Certificate
Seafarers Registration Certificate issued by POEA
Alien Certificate of Registration/Green Card
Certificate of Confirmation from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
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Certificate issued by National Commission on Muslim Filipinos
Certificate of Licensure/Qualification Documents from MARINA
Certificate of Naturalization issued by the Bureau of Immigration
NBI Clearance
Police Clearance
Court Order granting petition for change of name or date of birth
Life Insurance Policy
Student Permit issued by LTO
Note:
- Expired IDs shall be accepted as identification, provided it has signature and photo.
- All equivalent ID cards/documents with English translation issued by a foreign
government shall be accepted.
- Married female members may use Primary or Secondary ID cards/documents that
are still under maiden name, provided that copy of Marriage Contract/Certificate, or
Report of Marriage issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General, is
presented.
b) For SE members
Certificate of non-renewal for all of members business permit/license issued by
the proper government offices/transfer of ownership (e.g. Business Permit and
Licensing Office); or
Certificate of cessation of business issued by the duly elected Barangay Official
where the business or place of residence was located; and
SSS Form - Affidavit of Separation from Employment/Cessation of Self-
employment with Undertaking
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d) For members of Cooperative or registered Association (e. g. TODA, Card Inc., market
vendors association, etc.)
SSS Form - Affidavit of Separation from Employment/Cessation of Self-
employment with Undertaking; or
Certificate of termination of membership signed by the authorized company
representative/s or signatories in the Specimen Signature Card of the
Cooperative/Association; or
Certificate of membership signed by the authorized company representative/s or
signatories in the Specimen Signature Card of the Cooperative/Association
stating the period of membership.
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6. Additional documents if member is incapacitated and under guardianship
Photo and signature card of guardian
Medical certificate issued by his/her attending physician (with license number and
address of clinic), within three (3) months from date of filing of claim for
guardianship confirmed/certified by the Medical Specialist of SSS Physical
Examination Centers (PECs); and
In-Trust For (ITF) savings account; and
Affidavit for Guardianship of Incompetent Pensioner, if guardian is the spouse; or
Application for Representative Payee and Guarantors Bond Form, if guardian is
other than spouse
If married abroad
Marriage Contract/Certificate with English translation issued by foreign government;
or
Report of Marriage issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General.
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- Birth certificates of at least two (2) children wherein under both documents the
names of parents and the date and place of marriage are indicated (if applicable)
Note:
- Baptismal/Dedication certificate or its equivalent certificate must bear the original
signature of the Parish Priest/Head of the Church/Ministry/Congregation/Sect/
other religious organizations or his authorized signatory. Stamped signature is not
acceptable.
- Dedication Certificate or its equivalent certificate issued by the Ministry/
Congregation/Sect/other religious organizations in lieu of baptismal certificate must
bear the date of birth of the child and the name of parents.
c) Additional documents
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- Statement made before any judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings
- Any authentic writing signed by the father (e.g. letter, diary, or other documents
such as school records and other public records)
Note:
- Documents issued in a foreign country should have English translation. Authentication by
the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General is not required if said documents are duly
received and signed by the SSS Foreign Representative, Foreign Office.
- For retirement claims filed abroad, photocopy of supporting document/s with English
translation may be presented and submitted in the absence of the original/certified true
copy, to be duly received and signed by the SSS Foreign Representative Office.
Members registered in the SSS website may submit their application for Technical
Retirement through the website, as long as they meet the following conditions:
Member is at least 65 years old;
Member has no cancelled SS Number/s;
Member has at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of contingency;
Member has no pending case before the SSC;
Member has no outstanding loan balance or any outstanding loan balance shall be for
salary/calamity loan or salary loan renewal program (SLERP) only;
Member is qualified for technical retirement per Eligibility Inquiry of the On-line Web
Inquiry System (WINS);
Member has no submitted retirement claim per Centralized Claims Clearance
System/settled retirement claim per Claims Information;
Member has no dependent child/ren; and
Member is not an underground mineworker.
Application for technical retirement may be filed within six (6) months before the date of
retirement, but the payment of benefit shall be done on the actual date of retirement.
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Retirement claims submitted through the SSS website shall be processed using the DDR
Workflow System following the procedures on the Processing of Retirement Claim Application.
Payment of benefit shall be thru the bank using the UMID card or to the SSS-accredited
bank designated by the claimant in his online application for technical retirement.
Application for retirement benefit can be filed at the SSS branch nearest the members
residence.
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