Losing a loved one can be incredibly difficult, and the financial challenges that come with it can add stress to an already overwhelming time.
For families of deceased GSIS members, the GSIS Survivorship Pension offers financial assistance to help ease the burden.
This benefit is available to eligible dependents of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) members who have passed away.
What is the GSIS Survivorship Pension?
- The GSIS Survivorship Pension provides financial support to the dependents of deceased GSIS members or pensioners.
- The pension is designed to help families maintain financial stability after the loss of their primary provider.
- Eligible beneficiaries include the legal spouse, dependent children, and, in some cases, parents or other descendants.
- The application process can be completed in person, online, or through alternative channels, depending on what is most convenient for you.
Who is Eligible for the GSIS Survivorship Pension?
To apply for the GSIS Survivorship Pension, you must fall within one of the following categories of beneficiaries:
Primary Beneficiaries
- Legal Spouse: Entitled to the pension until they remarry or enter into a cohabitation relationship.
- Dependent Children: Legitimate, legally adopted, or illegitimate children of the deceased.
They are entitled to the pension until they reach the age of majority (18) or, if incapacitated, for as long as they are unable to support themselves due to physical or mental disabilities acquired before they turned 18.
Secondary Beneficiaries
If there are no primary beneficiaries, the following individuals may qualify:
- Dependent Parents: If the member had no surviving spouse or children, dependent parents may receive the pension.
- Legitimate Descendants: Grandchildren or other descendants may be eligible if no primary beneficiaries exist.
Steps to Apply for GSIS Survivorship Pension
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you begin the application process, you must collect the necessary documents.
Here’s what you need:
- Accomplished Application Form: The GSIS Survivorship Pension application form must be completed.
- Death Certificate: An authenticated copy of the death certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO).
- Marriage Certificate: For the legal spouse, a marriage certificate issued by the NSO is required.
- Birth Certificates: For dependent children, you need their birth certificates from the NSO.
- Two Valid IDs: Submit two valid government-issued IDs for verification purposes.
Step 2: Submit the Application
Once you’ve gathered the necessary documents, you can submit your application in one of the following ways:
- Over-the-Counter Submission
- Visit the nearest GSIS branch and submit your documents in person.
- Double-check your application to avoid any missing information or documents.
- GSIS personnel will assist you with the filing process and confirm the receipt of your application.
- Online Filing via Email
- Submit your application and required documents via email.
- Make sure that your documents are in JPEG or PDF format and labeled correctly.
- When sending your email, include the following details in the subject line:
- Type of GSIS Benefit
- BP Number (if applicable)
- Last Name, First Name
- Name of the Deceased Member’s Agency
- After submission, you will receive an email acknowledgment from GSIS confirming receipt of your documents and providing details on next steps.
- Using the GWAPS Kiosk
- Locate a GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosk near you.
- Insert your Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card and follow the on-screen instructions to file your claim.
- The system will guide you through the filing process and submit your application electronically.
- eGSISMO
- Log in to your eGSISMO account, the online portal for GSIS members and pensioners.
- Choose the benefit you wish to claim and follow the instructions to complete the filing process.
- You will receive a notification once your application is successfully filed.
What to Expect After Filing
After you’ve submitted your application, GSIS will review your documents and assess your eligibility for the survivorship pension.
Here’s what to expect during the process:
- Video Interview
- In some cases, GSIS may schedule a video interview with you.
- You will be notified of the interview date and time via email, SMS, or phone call.
- During the interview, you may choose the videoconferencing platform you prefer (Viber, Facebook Messenger, or Skype).
- The interview helps GSIS verify certain details regarding your application, such as the validity of your relationship to the deceased and the accuracy of the submitted documents.
- Processing Time
- The processing time for your application may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the completeness of your documents.
- It is advisable to follow up with GSIS regularly to check the status of your application.
- Notification
- Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification from GSIS confirming your entitlement to the pension.
- The notification will also provide details on when you can expect to receive your benefits.
Additional Requirements for Specific Beneficiaries
Some situations require additional documentation.
Here are specific cases and what you need to submit:
- Surviving Spouse:
- An affidavit declaring that you have not remarried or cohabited with another person since the death of your spouse.
- This form can be downloaded from the GSIS website.
- Legal Guardianship:
- If you are applying on behalf of minor or incapacitated children, you will need an affidavit of guardianship.
- If the guardian is not the child’s natural parent, the affidavit should be supported by certification from the barangay and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
- Muslim Members:
- If the deceased was a Muslim, proof of surviving legal heirs is required, detailing all spouses and children.
- A court order for guardianship is needed if the children are minors and no surviving parent exists.
Application Form
The GSIS Survivorship Application Form can be downloaded from the official GSIS website here.
This form is necessary for beneficiaries or dependents of deceased GSIS members or pensioners to apply for survivorship benefits.
Make sure to provide accurate personal details, along with the necessary supporting documents, to facilitate a smooth processing of your claim.
Once filled out, the form can be submitted through your nearest GSIS office or via email, depending on your preferred mode of submission.
Conclusion
Applying for the GSIS Survivorship Pension may seem complex, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the process.
Start by gathering the required documents and choosing the most convenient method of application, whether in person or online.
Stay informed by regularly checking the GSIS website or contacting their hotline for updates on your application.
The financial assistance provided by the survivorship pension can make a difference during a difficult time, offering support to help you and your family move forward.
If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, reach out to GSIS for personalized guidance.