SSS makes pensioner verification easier

The Social Security System (SSS) has made the verification of pensioners easier so they can continue receiving their benefits from the institution.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Corazon De la Paz, in a press release, said bank tellers and regular SSS employees can now certify after verification that a pensioner is eligible to continue receiving pensions.

"Any regular employee who has worked in the SSS for at least 5 years can guarantee the status of retirement, survivor or dependent pensioner," De la Paz said.

The SSS has eased compliance to the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners ( ACOP ) to decongest SSS offices and facilitate pensioner interviews.

The ACOP is part of reforms implemented by SSS to protect the viability of the fund. The program is intended to purge from the SSS roster of pensioners the names of those who have died, remarried or gone back to work.

De la Paz called on families to report the condition of pensioners who are sick or too weak to report for confirmation "so SSS can send representatives to visit them instead."

She said pensioners living abroad can send a photocopy of their passport and other identification cards such as driver's license or the permits issued by the Professional Regulation Commission to doctors, nurses, architects, accountants and teachers.

"A member should submit a photocopy of the first two pages of the passport showing the name, photo and signature of the member," De la Paz said, adding that the SSS will only accept identification cards that are not more than three years old from the date of issuance or renewal. - Jasmin R. Uy