Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional experience.
On top of the grief, families often have to deal with the financial burden of funeral and burial expenses.
For families of GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) members, the GSIS Funeral Benefit offers financial assistance to help cover these costs.
This benefit aims to provide some relief in managing funeral expenses, allowing families to focus on honoring their loved one’s memory.
What is the GSIS Funeral Benefit?
The GSIS Funeral Benefit is a lump sum amount granted to the legal beneficiaries or dependents of a deceased GSIS member.
It’s designed to help cover the cost of funeral and burial services, which can be expensive.
The benefit is provided to ensure that even in difficult times, families of GSIS members receive some financial support for a dignified funeral.
The payment is made to the individual who has shouldered the funeral costs, whether that’s the spouse, a legal child, or another person who can provide proof of funeral-related expenses.
Eligibility
Before starting the application process, it’s important to determine if the deceased GSIS member qualifies for the funeral benefit.
Here are the eligibility criteria set by GSIS:
- Active Members – A government employee who was still an active GSIS member at the time of death.
- Separated Members Entitled to Benefits – A former government employee who had been separated from service but was entitled to future separation or retirement benefits.
- Old-Age Pensioners – A member who was already receiving a pension at the time of their death.
- Retirees under RA 1616 – A retiree who, at the time of retirement, chose retirement benefits under RA 1616 and was eligible for a pension under RA 8291.
- Members with 20 Years of Service Before RA 8291 – A member who retired under RA 1616 before the implementation of RA 8291, provided they had at least 20 years of government service.
If the deceased member meets any of these criteria, their family or the person responsible for covering the funeral expenses can apply for the GSIS Funeral Benefit.
Required Documents
To file a claim for the GSIS Funeral Benefit, you need to gather several documents that prove eligibility and funeral expenses.
Make sure these are ready before submitting your claim:
- Completed Application Form – You can download this from the official GSIS website.
- Original Funeral Receipts – Proof of the expenses incurred for the funeral and burial services.
- Death Certificate – An official death certificate issued by the civil registrar or equivalent authority.
- GSIS Member’s Information – Copies of the deceased member’s GSIS UMID card or any valid government-issued ID.
- Affidavit of Funeral Expenses – This is required if the person applying for the benefit is not the legal spouse or child of the deceased but has paid for the funeral costs.
- Proof of Relationship – For legal heirs, such as the spouse or children, additional documents proving their relationship to the deceased member may be needed.
It is important to gather these documents in advance to avoid delays in processing your claim.
Application Form
The GSIS Application for Funeral Benefit Form is required to start the application process and must be submitted along with other necessary documents like the death certificate, funeral receipts, and proof of relationship to the deceased.
You can download the form from the official GSIS website by visiting this link.
To apply, complete the form and submit it either in person at a GSIS branch or through other submission channels such as email, GWAPS kiosks, or the eGSISMO platform. Make sure to include all the required documents to avoid delays in processing.
How to File the GSIS Funeral Benefit Claim
Once all the required documents are prepared, there are several ways to submit your claim.
GSIS provides multiple convenient options for filing, both in person and online.
1. Over-the-Counter Submission
- You can submit your claim in person by visiting any GSIS branch office or service desk.
- Simply bring all your documents, including the application form and original receipts.
- The staff will assist you in processing your claim.
2. Online Application via Email
If visiting a GSIS office is not feasible, you can also apply online.
Here’s how:
- Scan all required documents, including the application form and receipts, and save them as PDF or JPEG files.
- Email the documents to the designated email address of your GSIS branch.
- Make sure to format the subject line as follows: GSIS_FUNERAL BENEFIT_BP NUMBER_LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_AGENCY NAME.
- Wait for an acknowledgment email from GSIS, which will include the tentative benefit computation and any required corrections if documents are incomplete.
3. Via GSIS GWAPS Kiosk
GSIS members and beneficiaries can also file claims through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks.
Here’s the process:
- Go to the nearest GWAPS Kiosk.
- Insert your GSIS UMID card into the card reader.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, choosing the Funeral Benefit Claim option.
- Once completed, the kiosk will process your claim.
4. Through eGSISMO
If you prefer to file online, you can use the eGSISMO platform, the GSIS member online service.
Simply log in to your GSIS account and follow these steps:
- Select Funeral Benefit from the available services.
- Upload all necessary documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Submit the claim and wait for confirmation via email or SMS.
Processing and Release of the Funeral Benefit
After submitting your claim, GSIS will review the application and notify you of the status.
Processing times may vary, but GSIS will keep you updated throughout the process.
Once the claim is approved, the funeral benefit amount will be credited to your bank account or released as a check, depending on your chosen payment method.
The amount granted under the GSIS Funeral Benefit can differ from case to case, depending on the specific situation of the deceased member.
GSIS will communicate the final amount once it has been determined.
Conclusion
The GSIS Funeral Benefit provides families with financial relief during a difficult time, helping to ease the burden of funeral expenses.
By understanding the eligibility criteria and gathering the necessary documents in advance, you can streamline the process and receive the benefit with minimal delay.
Whether you choose to apply in person, online, or through the GWAPS kiosk, GSIS offers several options to make the process more convenient.
This support ensures that GSIS members and their families can honor their loved ones with dignity, without facing overwhelming financial stress.
For more information, visit the GSIS website or contact your local GSIS branch for assistance.