SSS hikes maximum funeral benefit

THE Social Security System (SSS) is increasing the maximum funeral benefit that can be received by beneficiaries to P60,000 from P40,000 previously.

“The new guidelines provided under SSS Circular No. 2023-009 aim to incentivize active membership by raising the maximum amount of funeral benefit to P60,000 and streamline the provision of funeral benefits to claimants, especially for surviving legal spouses,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando L. Macasaet said.

If a deceased member or pensioner paid at least 36 months of contributions up to the month of death, the benefit shall range from a variable amount of a minimum of P20,000 to a maximum of P60,000.

Under the circular, the funeral benefit will be computed based on the number of paid contributions and the Average Monthly Salary Credit (AMSC).

The benefit will cover embalming services, burial transfer services and permits, funeral services, and cremation or interment services, among others.

However, members who paid at least one but less than 36 months worth of contributions will have a fixed benefit of P12,000.

The SSS said the order of priority of claimants will be the surviving legal spouse, followed by the children, parents or any other natural person who can present proof of payment.

The circular also noted that the application for benefit claims must be filed within 10 years from the month of death.

From January to November last year, SSS’ benefit disbursements rose by 13.2% to P236.3 billion year on year, it said. — LMJCJ