Pensioners need not come to SSS offices for claims

For the convenience of pensioners, the Social Security System has deferred temporarily the requirement for pensioners to personally report to their offices and confirm their entitlements.

SSS president and chief executive officer Corazon de la Paz said that such move is part of a program to ensure that SSS pensions are paid only to qualified claimants. She said that the institution has completed the one-year cycle for its Annual Confirmation Program, and it needed to assess the impact on the institution.

She said only those with suspended pensions and those submitting themselves for annual physical examinations are required to report to SSS offices.

"For the convenience of our pensioners, we have deferred temporarily the requirement for pensioners to report to our offices," de la Paz said. "This takes effect immediately."

The SSS started a census of its pensioners in 2004 under the ACoP to purge from its rosters those who died, remarried or have recovered from their disabilities. The ACoP is part of reforms intended to protect the viability of the SSS funds.

SSS has more than one million pensioners receiving three types of pensions - retirees, survivors and disability. The pensions range from an average of P2,546 to a maximum of P14,861.

De la Paz said that under the AcoP, the SSS is intent on recovering pensions sent to those who have died, remarried or recovered from their disabilities. - Jasmin R. Uy