SSS death benefit payouts surge to P63.74B

The Social Security System (SSS) released P63.74 billion in death benefits from January to September 2026, up 10.4 percent from P57.74 billion during the same period last year.

SSS President and CEO Victor Alfonso Limlingan said the increase was driven by a growing number of beneficiaries and the early implementation of higher survivor pensions in June.

“The rise in death benefit disbursements shows that SSS is delivering on its mandate to protect Filipino workers and their families, especially during the most difficult moments of their lives,” Limlingan said.

The number of death benefit beneficiaries climbed 5.7 percent to 1.4 million, with surviving spouses accounting for nearly 90 percent.

As of September, the average monthly death pension stood at P4,568, with payouts ranging from P2,000 to P23,422.

Limlingan attributed the higher disbursements partly to the second tranche of the SSS Pension Reform Program, which raised survivor pensions by 5 percent beginning in June, three months ahead of the original schedule.

The SSS also reported a 5 percent increase in funeral benefit payments to P3.25 billion from P3.09 billion a year earlier.

Funeral benefit recipients rose to 151,844 from 146,666, representing a 3.5 percent increase.

Under existing rules, qualified beneficiaries of deceased members who paid at least 36 monthly contributions may receive a monthly death pension. Those with fewer contributions may qualify for a lump-sum payment.

Funeral benefits range from P20,000 to P60,000 for qualified claims involving members with at least 36 contributions. A fixed P12,000 benefit applies to those with at least one but fewer than 36 contributions.

Limlingan said the agency would continue improving access to benefits to ensure timely assistance for grieving families.

Death and funeral benefit applications may be submitted online through My.SSS by eligible claimants, while nonmember claimants may apply at SSS branches.