Keeping your Social Security System (SSS) beneficiary information updated is important for every member to make sure that the right dependents receive your benefits in the future.
This process is intended for all SSS members, including employees, self-employed individuals, and OFWs.
You’ll need to update your records after major life events, such as marriage, birth of a child, divorce, or the death of a dependent.
There is no additional cost for updating beneficiaries, but it requires submitting the SSS E-4 Member Data Change Form along with supporting documents in person at an SSS branch.
Why Is It Important to Update Your SSS Beneficiaries?
Your beneficiaries will receive your SSS benefits in cases of disability, retirement, or death.
Keeping this information accurate helps avoid delays or complications when it comes to distributing your benefits.
Making sure your beneficiaries are updated means they’ll have access to your monthly pension or lump sum payments, providing financial support during important life moments.
Who Are Considered Legal Beneficiaries?
The primary beneficiaries include your spouse, legitimate or adopted children, and illegitimate children under the age of 21 who are unmarried and unemployed.
If there are no primary beneficiaries, the secondary beneficiaries may include your legitimate parents or legal descendants.
Documentary Requirements
When updating your SSS beneficiaries, you will need to submit a Member Data Change Request Form (SS Form E-4) along with certain supporting documents.
The required documents vary depending on the type of beneficiary change:
- Adding a Spouse:
- Marriage Certificate (original or certified true copy).
- Adding a Child:
- Birth Certificate or Baptismal Certificate (original or certified true copy).
- Removing a Beneficiary:
- Spouse: Death Certificate, or Decree of Legal Separation, as applicable.
- Parents: Death Certificate if the parent is deceased.
- Other Changes:
- A Declaration of Earnings or relevant documents may be required if there are additional salary credit changes linked to the beneficiary updates.
Documents issued by foreign governments must have English translations.
All ID cards or documents submitted should be originals or certified true copies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your SSS Beneficiaries
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
Before visiting an SSS branch, gather all necessary documents, depending on the change you’re making.
For example, if you are adding a spouse, you’ll need a marriage certificate.
If you are adding a child, you’ll need a birth certificate.
If you are removing a deceased beneficiary, you’ll need a death certificate.
Make sure these documents are certified true copies from the Civil Registrar or PSA.
Step 2: Fill Out the E-4 Member Data Change Request Form
The E-4 form is the official document used to update your beneficiary information.
You can obtain this form from an SSS branch or download it from the SSS website.
Fill it out carefully, making sure all details are correct.
Step 3: Submit the Form and Documents
Visit the nearest SSS branch to submit your E-4 form and the necessary documents.
Make sure to bring two valid IDs with your name, photo, and signature for identity verification.
Step 4: Follow Up and Verify Your Update
After submitting the form, it’s important to follow up to make sure the updates have been processed.
You can check your My.SSS account or visit the branch again to confirm that the changes have been made.
Common Reasons for Updating Beneficiaries
SSS members typically update their beneficiaries for various reasons:
- Marriage: Adding a spouse to your list of beneficiaries.
- Divorce or Annulment: Removing a former spouse.
- Birth of Children: Including new children as dependents.
- Death of a Beneficiary: Removing a deceased family member.
- Children Reaching Legal Age: Removing children who have reached the age of 21 or become SSS members themselves.
Tips to Keep in Mind
- Make it a habit to review your SSS records after major life events.
- Always submit certified true copies of required documents to avoid delays.
- Beneficiary updates must be done in person at an SSS branch, as this service is not yet available online.
Video: How to update or change SSS Beneficiary?
Conclusion
Updating your SSS beneficiaries is a necessary responsibility for every member.
By regularly checking and updating your records, you can make sure your loved ones receive the correct benefits without complications.
Make sure to gather the necessary documents, fill out the required forms, and submit everything in person to an SSS branch to keep your records current.