SSS releases 13th month pay

CEBU, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) has released ?18.8 billion in 13th month pension benefits to around 3.66 million pensioners in early December, providing additional financial support for the holiday season.

In a statement, SSS said that the payout was credited in two batches: ?10.5 billion to about 2.13 million pensioners on December 1, and another ?8.3 billion to roughly 1.53 million pensioners on December 4. The benefit covers retirement, disability, and survivorship pensioners.

SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro said the annual cash gift is part of the agency’s commitment to supporting pensioners during the year-end period.

The payout this year was higher following the implementation of the Pension Reform Program that took effect in September 2025.

Under the program, retirement and disability pensioners received a 10% increase, while survivorship pensioners received a 5% increase.

SSS said the 13th month pension is automatically credited to pensioners’ accounts and advised beneficiaries to ensure their bank details are updated to avoid delays.

The agency also reported that for 2024, the Commission on Audit issued an unmodified opinion on SSS’s financial statements, citing fund integrity, overall financial soundness, and adherence to good governance, while noting that audit observations are being addressed through corrective measures. — (FREEMAN)