The SSS Death Claim is a financial benefit provided by the Social Security System (SSS) to the dependents of a deceased SSS member.
It offers either a monthly pension or a lump sum payment depending on the number of contributions made by the member before their death.
This benefit is primarily for legal spouses, dependent children, and in their absence, parents or other designated beneficiaries.
Filing an SSS death claim involves completing the necessary paperwork and submitting required documents to prove your eligibility.
For non-primary beneficiaries—like siblings or other relatives—the claim process may require additional steps, but there are no direct costs associated with applying for the benefit, aside from securing any legal documents needed.
Understanding SSS Death Benefits
The SSS death benefit is financial support given to the dependents of a deceased SSS member.
This benefit can come as a monthly pension or a lump sum, depending on how many contributions the member made.
Primary beneficiaries, such as a legal spouse or dependent children, receive priority.
However, in the absence of primary beneficiaries, secondary or non-primary beneficiaries, like parents or other designated individuals, can file for the benefit.
Who Qualifies as a Non-Primary Beneficiary?
In the absence of primary beneficiaries (such as the legal spouse or dependent children), non-primary beneficiaries can file for the death benefit.
Non-primary beneficiaries typically include:
- Dependent parents – If the deceased member has no living spouse or dependent children.
- Other designated beneficiaries – If the member has nominated specific individuals in their SSS records.
- Legal heirs – If no specific beneficiaries were designated, the legal heirs (as determined by the law of succession) can claim the benefit.
It is important to confirm your eligibility before starting the claim process.
Check the SSS records to ascertain that no primary beneficiaries exist and that you are listed as a designated beneficiary if applicable.
Eligibility
Before you begin the process of claiming the SSS death benefit, it’s important to confirm your eligibility.
- Make sure that the deceased member was actively contributing to the SSS at the time of death.
- Verify if you are listed as a designated beneficiary in the member’s SSS records. You can do this by checking the SSS account records or consulting with an SSS representative.
- Check that there are no qualified primary or secondary beneficiaries. Non-primary beneficiaries can only file a claim if no other higher-priority beneficiaries exist.
Required Documents
Before submitting your death claim application, check that you have the correct documentation.
Here are the basic documentary requirements based on the SSS circular:
- Death Claim Application Form – Complete and submit the Death Claim Application under the Portability Law (if applicable).
- Death Certificate – A certified copy of the death certificate from the Local Civil Registry (LCR) or the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). If the member died abroad, you’ll need the death certificate from the Vital Statistics Office of the country where the member passed away, or a Report of Death issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
- Member’s/Claimant’s Photo and Signature Card – If the claimant has not been issued a Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card, a photo and signature card are required.
- Savings Account Details – The claimant must provide proof of a single savings account in the claimant’s name. Acceptable documents include:
- Passbook or ATM card with the claimant’s name and account number.
- A validated initial deposit slip.
- A duly signed bank certificate with the complete name, account number, bank branch, and complete bank address.
- Claimant’s Identification Documents – Submit valid identification documents as specified by the SSS (such as government-issued IDs).
Additional Documents
If you are filing as a non-primary beneficiary, the SSS requires additional supporting documents based on your specific relationship with the deceased member:
- Birth Certificate of the Deceased Member – If filing as a dependent parent, you may need to provide the birth certificate of the deceased member to confirm your relationship.
- Affidavit of Dependency – Parents must submit an affidavit stating their dependency on the deceased member for support.
- Death Certificate of Spouse/Children – If the member was a widow or widower, or if the dependent children are deceased, you will need to provide their death certificates.
- Joint Affidavit – In some cases, a joint affidavit from two individuals (preferably relatives) may be required to confirm your relationship with the deceased member or to clarify specific details such as paternity or marital status.
If the deceased member designated specific beneficiaries in their SSS records, you may need to submit the Joint Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons to support your claim.
Where to File the Death Claim
Once you have gathered the required documents, you can proceed to file your claim at the nearest SSS branch.
Be sure to bring the original documents for verification, along with photocopies for submission.
If you are abroad, you can file your claim through the SSS Foreign Representative or the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
Common Scenarios and Required Documents
Here are some common scenarios that may require specific documentation:
- If the member died abroad, you will need a death certificate issued by the foreign government or a report of death from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
- If the member was legally married abroad, a marriage certificate from the foreign government or the Philippine Embassy is required.
- If the dependent child is incapacitated, a medical certificate must be submitted confirming the child’s condition, issued by a licensed physician and verified by the SSS medical specialist.
Processing Time and Follow-Up
The processing time for death claims may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the completeness of the submitted documents.
It is advisable to allow several weeks for the processing of your claim.
If your claim is taking longer than expected, you can follow up with the SSS branch where you submitted your documents.
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm Your Eligibility
First, verify your status as a non-primary beneficiary.
Make sure the deceased member had a valid SSS account, and confirm that there are no qualified primary or secondary beneficiaries.
- Gather the Required Documents
Filing an SSS death claim requires several important documents.
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to gather before visiting the SSS office:
- Death Claim Application (SSS Form DDR-1.3A) – This form must be completed properly.
- Affidavit of Death Benefit (SSS Form CLD-1.3A) – If applicable.
- Filer’s Affidavit (Sinumpaang Sanaysay) – If required.
- Joint Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons (SSS Form CLD-1.3) – For legal heirs or designated beneficiaries.
- Application for Appointment as Representative Payee (SSS Form CLD-15) – For claimants acting as guardians.
- Report of Death (SSS Form BPN-105) – For work-related deaths.
- Claimant’s photo, signature form, and valid IDs – To verify your identity.
- Certified true copy of the deceased member’s death certificate – A vital document for the process.
- Proof of relationship – Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers, depending on the case.
- Other documents – As required by the SSS depending on the specific situation.
- Submit the Documents to the Nearest SSS Branch
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, head to the nearest SSS branch to submit them.
It’s important to bring original or certified true copies to avoid any delays.
You may also want to ask the SSS officer for any additional forms specific to your case.
- Track the Progress of Your Claim
After submitting your documents, monitor the progress of your claim.
You can do this by contacting the SSS branch where you filed the application.
Processing times may vary, but it’s good to allow several weeks for the claim to be reviewed.
If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, be sure to follow up.
- Receive Your Benefit Payment
Once your claim is approved, the SSS will release the benefit payment.
This payment can be credited to your designated bank account or sent through other available disbursement methods.
Important Considerations for Non-Primary Beneficiaries
Filing an SSS death claim as a non-primary beneficiary can sometimes involve challenges.
To help you, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Processing Time
The processing time for death claims can vary based on the complexity of the case and the completeness of your documents.
Make sure all the necessary paperwork is ready before submission.
Allow several weeks for the processing of your claim.
Denial of Claims and Appeals
If your claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal.
The SSS may reject claims if there is missing information or if another eligible beneficiary is found.
In case of rejection, reach out to the SSS to learn about the appeals process and what steps to take next.
Seek Assistance from SSS Representatives
If you ever feel lost in the process, don’t hesitate to ask for help from an SSS representative.
They can guide you through the required documents, explain eligibility rules, and give you updates on your claim’s status.
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Conclusion
Filing an SSS death claim as a non-primary beneficiary requires patience, attention to detail, and understanding of the process.
While the steps may seem daunting at first, they are more manageable when broken down into clear actions—confirming eligibility, gathering documents, submitting them, and following up.
Remember, the Social Security System is there to support you, and the representatives are ready to help whenever needed.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll increase your chances of successfully claiming the benefits that are due to you.
Stay patient, be thorough, and make sure you have all the necessary documents to avoid unnecessary delays.