SSS pensioners’ 13th month now available

Social Security System (SSS) pensioners will enjoy a brighter Christmas this year as the agency announced the early release of P32.19 billion in the 13th month and December pensions to over 3.6 million pensioners. The funds were credited as early as 29 November.

SSS officer-in-charge Voltaire P. Agas explained that the early release of pensions was a pre-Christmas gift to SSS and Employees’ Compensation (EC) pensioners, especially those affected by recent tropical cyclones. “We are aware of the challenges faced by our pensioners due to these calamities, and the early release aims to help address some of their financial needs as they rebuild their lives,” Agas said.

The pensions were distributed in two batches: the first, worth P17.9 billion, was credited on 29 November to 2.09 million pensioners with contingency dates from the 1st to the 15th of the month. The second batch, amounting to P14.3 billion, was released on 4 December, benefiting 1.52 million pensioners whose contingency dates fell between the 16th and the last day of the month.

Additionally, approximately P41.6 million in 13th month and December pensions were released to more than 6,000 pensioners through non-PESONet participating banks and checks.

Pensioners in non-PESONet banks received their payments on 4 December, and the Philippine Postal Corporation was instructed to expedite the delivery of checks to pensioners’ home addresses.

For pensioners who had previously availed of the advance 18-month pensions, their 13th-month pensions were also credited on 4 December.

Since 1988, the SSS has granted the 13th month pension to SSS and EC pensioners, equivalent to their regular monthly pension. This annual tradition aims to enhance the benefits of pensioners and recognize their contributions to the country during their productive years.

Retirement and survivor pensioners receive a 13th-month pension equivalent to their monthly pensions, while total disability pensioners receive a 13th-month pension equal to their monthly pensions minus the medical allowance.