THE SOCIAL Security System (SSS) increased the amount of maximum funeral benefits for members to P60,000.
During the Kapihan sa PIA on Jan. 8, Geneva Shaula Virrey, SSS acting regional communications officer, said starting Oct.20, 2023, “claimants of deceased members with 36 or more monthly contributions may receive a variable amount from P20,000 to P60,000 in SS funeral benefits, depending on the member’s number of paid contributions and average monthly salary credit (AMSC)”.
“Naa nata’y distinction sa number of contributions, unlike before na one month lang ang contribution, minimum 20,000 gyud ‘ta. Sa karon, fixed nata na P12,000 (for 35 months contribution) ang makuha,” Virrey said.
The newly implemented guideline includes the order of priority of claimants such as the surviving legal spouse that holds the receipt or a joint affidavit if the spouse is not present to claim.
Applications for funeral benefits will have a prescriptive period of filing of 10 years from the month of death of the member or pensioner, subject to terms and conditions as may be determined by the SSS.
The new guidelines are also provided under SSS Circular 2023-009 which “aims to incentivize active membership.”
The enhanced funeral benefit shall cover embalming services, burial transfer services and permits, funeral services (including church fees or its equivalent in other religions), cremation or interment services, purchase or rent of coffin, purchase, or rent of niche/cemetery/memorial lot/columbarium, and memorial/funeral insurance plan. The funeral expenses as indicated in the proof of payment, shall be reimbursed, but not to exceed the computed funeral benefit due.
