SSS releasing P6.34B for pensioners’ bonuses

MANILA, Philippines - The Social Security System (SSS) has earmarked a total of P6.34 billion for the 13th month pensions of over two million SSS pensioners for retirement, disability and death scheduled for release to the pensioners’ bank accounts and via mail this December.

SSS vice president for Benefits Administration Division Agnes San Jose said in a statement with the 13th month pension, SSS pensioners would receive double the amount of their regular monthly pension this month.

The 13th month pension is an SSS year-end tradition that started in 1988.

“The allotted funds for the 13th month pensions were already disbursed to SSS partner banks in November,” San Jose said.

She added that as in previous years, SSS pensioners could expect to receive their 13th month pension at the same time as their regular December pensions.

Over 99 percent of SSS pensioners are enrolled in the Pension Payment thru the Bank Program, formerly known as the Mag-Impok sa Bangko Program, which enables them to receive their monthly pensions directly at their designated savings accounts.

Some 12,500 pensioners opted to receive pension checks sent through the mail due to reasons such as lack of automated teller machines in their area.

“Almost P6.31 billion for 13th month pensions are scheduled for release through pensioners’ bank accounts. The remaining P34.61 million would be in the form of checks mailed to the designated addresses of the other pensioners,” San Jose said.

The SSS deposited the 13th month pension funds to the respective banks of pensioners two weeks before December. SSS partner banks would then credit the money to pensioners’ bank accounts, and these pensions are allowed for withdrawal in accordance with the member’s date of retirement, death or disability.

SSS retirement pensions of P4.01 billion accounted for over 60 percent of the funds allotted for 13th month pensions. Meanwhile, P2.06 billion was disbursed for SS death pensions, P200.3 million for SS disability pensioners, P52.71 million for EC death pensions, and P5.21 million for EC disability pensioners.