Losing a loved one is a deeply painful experience. During such difficult times, the Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines offers financial assistance to the beneficiaries of deceased members.
Through the SSS Death Benefit program, eligible beneficiaries can receive either a monthly pension or a lump sum, depending on the contribution history of the deceased member.
Understanding SSS Death Benefits
The SSS Death Benefit is designed to provide financial support to the families of deceased members.
The benefit can come in two forms: a monthly pension or a lump sum.
The monthly pension is available to eligible primary beneficiaries if the deceased member had made at least 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death.
However, if the member contributed less than 36 months, the primary beneficiaries will receive a lump sum instead.
For secondary beneficiaries, designated beneficiaries, or legal heirs, the benefit is usually paid in the form of a lump sum.
Who is Eligible to File a Death Claim?
The SSS establishes a clear order of priority for beneficiaries based on their relationship to the deceased member:
- Primary Beneficiaries
- Legal spouse (until they remarry)
- Dependent children who are 21 years old and below, unemployed, and single
- Secondary Beneficiaries
- Dependent parents of the deceased member, if there are no primary beneficiaries
- Designated Beneficiaries
- Any individual whom the deceased member specifically designated in their SSS records
- Legal Heirs
- In the absence of designated beneficiaries, the benefit is passed to the legal heirs as determined by the law of succession under the Civil Code of the Philippines.
Amount of Death Benefit
The amount of SSS Death Benefit depends on the deceased member’s contribution history and the type of beneficiaries:
- Monthly Pension: The eligible primary beneficiary receives a monthly death pension, along with a 13th-month pension every December.
- Dependent’s Pension: If the member had minor dependent children, they receive an additional Dependent’s Pension, which is 10% of the monthly pension or Php 250, whichever is higher.
A maximum of five children may claim this benefit, starting from the youngest.
The minimum monthly death pension starts at:
- Php 1,000 for members with fewer than 10 credited years of service (CYS)
- Php 1,200 for those with at least 10 CYS
- Php 2,400 for those with at least 20 CYS
Required Documents for Filing a Death Claim
To successfully file a death claim, it is important to gather all necessary documents based on your relationship with the deceased member:
- SSS Application Forms
- Death Claim Application (SSS DDR-1)
- Sinumpaang Salaysay (Sworn Statement)
- Affidavit of Claimant (SSS Form CLD 1.3 A or 1.3)
- Supporting Documents for Primary Beneficiaries
- Death Certificate of the deceased member
- Marriage Certificate of the deceased member (if applicable)
- Birth/Baptismal Certificate of dependent children
- Single Savings Account (passbook or ATM)
- Supporting Documents for Secondary Beneficiaries
- Death Certificate of the deceased member
- Marriage Certificate of the deceased member’s parents
- Birth Certificate of the deceased member
- CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) of the deceased member
- Supporting Documents for Designated Beneficiaries
- Birth Certificate of the claimant
- Marriage Certificate of the claimant (if married)
- Death Certificate of the member’s spouse (if widowed)
- Supporting Documents for Legal Heirs
- Birth Certificate of the claimant
- CENOMAR of the deceased member (if single)
- Death Certificate of the deceased member’s spouse or parents
- Death Certificate of any other deceased legal heirs
Make sure to present original documents along with photocopies for verification purposes.
How to Submit the Death Claim Application
Unfortunately, the My.SSS portal does not yet allow for the online submission of death claims.
The application must be submitted in person at any SSS branch or representative office.
However, you can book an appointment online for a more convenient visit.
Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your My.SSS portal.
- Navigate to the Member Info section in the main menu.
- Select the Appointment System and choose the nearest SSS branch where you will submit the Death Claim Application.
- Take note of your appointment date and time and bring the appointment confirmation with you to the branch.
Upon submission, the SSS will review your application and process the claim.
If approved, the SSS aims to credit the death benefits within three working days from approval, though processing times may vary depending on your specific case.
Important Considerations
Filing a death claim can be a long and sometimes complicated process.
Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:
- Contribution History: The deceased member must have completed at least 36 months of contributions before the semester of death to qualify for a monthly pension. Otherwise, the benefit will be paid as a lump sum.
- Dependent Children: Only dependent children who are 21 years old and below, unemployed, and single can claim the Dependent’s Pension.
- Processing Time: While the SSS aims to process death claims within three working days after approval, the entire process, from submission to approval, may take several weeks or even months.
Video: Paano mag file ng Death Benefit sa SSS | How to apply Death Benefit in SSS | Requirements 2024
Conclusion
Filing a death claim with the SSS provides much-needed financial assistance to the family of a deceased member, helping ease the burden during a difficult time.
By carefully gathering all required documents, filling out the application accurately, and submitting it to the appropriate SSS branch, you can make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible.
Patience and preparation are key when filing for a death claim, and if you have any questions or encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from the SSS.
Their hotline and email services are available to help guide you through the process.
Through SSS death benefits, families can receive financial support to help manage their expenses during such trying moments.