Applying for the GSIS Death and Accidental Death Benefits Claim ensures financial assistance for beneficiaries of government employees in the event of death or accidental death. This program, provided by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), offers financial security through life insurance benefits to the families of deceased members.
Understanding the application process is important to avoid delays and ensure proper submission of requirements. In this guide, we will discuss eligibility, the required documents, and the step-by-step procedure for filing claims, making the process simple and straightforward for beneficiaries, regardless if you’re filing in person, via email, or through postal mail.
Program Overview
The GSIS Death and Accidental Death Benefits program provides financial assistance to beneficiaries of deceased government employees, ensuring support during times of loss. It serves as a safety net for families, offering both regular death benefits for natural causes and additional compensation for accidental deaths. This program underscores the GSIS commitment to protecting the welfare of public servants and their dependents.
Established under Republic Act No. 8291 or the “GSIS Act of 1997,” this benefit program is legally mandated to provide death and survivorship benefits to eligible beneficiaries. Its primary objective is to provide financial aid to families of deceased GSIS members, covering both active and retired government employees. The program applies to all GSIS members with life insurance coverage, ensuring wide-reaching support for public servants and their families.
Benefits
This GSIS program offers financial support to the beneficiaries of deceased members, including the following:
- Regular Death Benefit: A cash benefit equivalent to 100% of the average monthly compensation (AMC) multiplied by 1.5 and the length of service or P10,000, whichever is higher.
- Accidental Death Benefit: An additional cash benefit equal to the regular death benefit if the member’s death is caused by an accident.
- Survivorship Pension: A monthly pension provided to the primary beneficiaries (spouse and dependent children) of the deceased pensioner.
- Funeral Benefit: A fixed amount of PHP 30,000 to cover funeral expenses.
- Life Insurance Policy Claims: The proceeds from the member’s life insurance policy, based on the insured amount.
These benefits are offered by GSIS under two primary policies: Life Endowment Policy (LEP) or optional life insurance and Enhanced Life Policy (ELP) or compulsory life insurance. Note that ELP applies to all government employees with mandatory GSIS coverage. The LEP, on the other hand, is for those who availed of additional insurance policies. The accidental death benefit doubles the standard payout if the death is proven to be caused by an accident.
Target Beneficiaries
These GSIS programs are designed to provide financial assistance to the following:
- Primary Beneficiaries, including
- legitimate spouse
- dependent children
- designated primary dependents of the deceased member
- Secondary Beneficiaries
- The parents of the deceased member, if there are no primary beneficiaries.
- Legal Heirs: The closest surviving relatives or heirs as determined by law, in the absence of primary or secondary beneficiaries.
- Designated Beneficiaries: Individuals named by the member in their GSIS records as recipients of certain benefits.
Qualifications
To qualify for the GSIS Death and Accidental Death Benefits, beneficiaries must at least meet the following eligibility criteria:
- The deceased must be an active GSIS member or a pensioner at the time of death.
- The beneficiaries must be duly registered as primary or secondary dependents in GSIS records.
- For legal heirs, there must be no surviving primary or secondary beneficiaries.
- All required documents, such as the death certificate and proof of relationship, must be submitted.
- The claim must be filed within the prescribed period set by GSIS.
- The applicant must be designated or surviving legal heirs of:
- Active GSIS members with a valid compulsory or optional life insurance policy.
- Members whose death occurred while the policy was in force.
Required Documents
Applicants of this benefit claim also need to secure and present the following requirements, depending if you’re claiming under the Life Endowment Policy (LEP) or the Enhanced Life Policy (ELP):
For Life Endowment Policy (LEP)
- Duly accomplished Application Form for Retirement/Separation/Life Insurance Benefits (1 original copy) obtainable from GSIS Members’ Assistance Counters or downloadable at the GSIS website.
- Service Record with Leave Without Pay (LWOP) Certification, specifying dates and duration (1 original or authenticated copy) provided by the claimant’s agency.
- Death Certificate of the member issued by LCR, PSA, or authenticated by PCO or Apostille authority if abroad (1 original or authenticated copy).
- Marriage Certificate of the beneficiary issued by LCR or PSA, or for Muslim claimants, certification from the Shari’a Circuit Clerk of Court.
- Affidavit of Surviving Legal Heirs/Spouse/Guardianship Form (1 original copy), including corroboration by two disinterested persons with valid government-issued IDs.
- Court Order or Certification from DSWD if the guardian is not the natural parent (1 original copy).
- Proof of beneficiary identification (e.g., Birth Certificate, eCard, UMID, passport, PhilID, or two valid IDs with date of birth and signature).
- Police Investigation Report (required if the death is due to an accident).
- Any additional documents requested by GSIS to support the claim.
For Enhanced Life Policy (ELP)
- Duly accomplished Application Form for Retirement/Separation/Life Insurance Benefits Claim (1 original copy) obtainable from GSIS Members’ Assistance Counters or downloadable at the GSIS website.
- Service Record with LWOP Certification, specifying dates and duration (1 original or authenticated copy) provided by the claimant’s agency.
- Death Certificate of the member issued by LCR, PSA, or authenticated by PCO or Apostille authority if abroad (1 original or authenticated copy).
- Marriage Certificate of the beneficiary issued by LCR or PSA, or for Muslim claimants, certification from the Shari’a Circuit Clerk of Court.
- Affidavit of Surviving Legal Heirs/Spouse/Guardianship Form (1 original copy), including corroboration by two disinterested persons with valid government-issued IDs.
- Court Order or Certification from DSWD if the guardian is not the natural parent (1 original copy).
- Proof of beneficiary identification (e.g., Birth Certificate, eCard, UMID, passport, PhilID, or two valid IDs with date of birth and signature).
- Any additional documents requested by GSIS to support the claim.
Note: The required documents for ELP are mostly similar to those for the LEP but additional documents may be requested by GSIS depending on your case.
Application Procedures
There are three ways to file for GSIS Death and Accidental Death Benefits Claim: In-Person Filing, Electronic Mail (Email), and Postal Mail or Courier. For a step-by-step guide on how to do either one, simply follow the steps listed below:
In-Person Filing
Step 1. Secure a Queue Number
- Visit the nearest GSIS office and proceed to the Information Center or Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD).
Step 2. Submit Documents
- Wait for your queue number to be called and proceed to the assigned window to submit your documents.
- Sign the tentative computation form and receive an acknowledgment receipt.
Step 3. Processing
- The submitted documents will be scanned and logged into the Transaction Monitoring System (TMS) and routed to the Claims Unit.
Step 4. Document Review
- Once the application is received, the GSIS verifies the completeness of documents and the eligibility of the claimant.
- Missing or deficient documents will require resubmission.
Step 5. Claims Processing
- Member records are updated and reconciled with GSIS accounts.
- A disbursement voucher is prepared and reviewed for approval.
Step 6. Approval
- Claims requiring higher authority (e.g., large payouts) are endorsed to GSIS senior officials for final approval.
Step 7. Payment Release
- For members with UMID/eCard accounts, funds are credited within 3 banking days.
- For members without UMID accounts, checks are issued and released within 20 working days.
Filing via Email
Step 1. Scan Your Documents
- Ensure all documents are clear and legible. File size should not exceed 4MB. If necessary, split documents into multiple emails.
Step 2. Submit Documents
- Send the scanned copies to the official email address of the GSIS branch handling your claim.
- Include a clear photo of the claimant holding their valid ID and completed application form.
- Include the subject line format: GSIS(Type of Claim)(BP No.)(Last Name)(First Name)(Agency Name).
- Submit the original documents within 10 working days to process the payment.
Step 3. Acknowledge Receipt
GSIS will validate your submission, log the documents into the TMS, and inform you of the claim status.
Step 4. Document Review
- Once the application is received, the GSIS verifies the completeness of documents and the eligibility of the claimant.
- Missing or deficient documents will require resubmission.
Step 5. Claims Processing
- Member records are updated and reconciled with GSIS accounts.
- A disbursement voucher is prepared and reviewed for approval.
Step 6. Approval
- Claims requiring higher authority (e.g., large payouts) are endorsed to GSIS senior officials for final approval.
Step 7. Payment Release
- For members with UMID/eCard accounts, funds are credited within 3 banking days.
- For members without UMID accounts, checks are issued and released within 20 working days.
Filing via Postal Mail or Courier
Step 1. Prepare Documents
- Place all required documents in a brown envelope labeled with the claimant’s name and contact information.
Step 2. Send to GSIS
- Use postal mail or a courier service to send your application to the GSIS branch.
Step 3. Acknowledge Receipt
- GSIS will process your claim upon receipt and inform you via email or SMS about its status.
Step 4. Document Review
- Once the application is received, the GSIS verifies the completeness of documents and the eligibility of the claimant.
- Missing or deficient documents will require resubmission.
Step 5. Claims Processing
- Member records are updated and reconciled with GSIS accounts.
- A disbursement voucher is prepared and reviewed for approval.
Step 6. Approval
- Claims requiring higher authority (e.g., large payouts) are endorsed to GSIS senior officials for final approval.
Step 7. Payment Release
- For members with UMID/eCard accounts, funds are credited within 3 banking days.
- For members without UMID accounts, checks are issued and released within 20 working days.
Where to Secure the Application Form
The application form for GSIS Death and Accidental Death Benefit claims can be obtained from any GSIS Members’ Assistance Counter at GSIS branches nationwide. It is also available for download on the official GSIS website at www.gsis.gov.ph under the “Quick Links” section in “Downloadable Forms.” Claimants must ensure they use the updated version of the form to avoid processing delays.
Fees and Processing Time
The GSIS Death and Accidental Death Benefit claim is processed free of charge, ensuring no additional financial burden on the beneficiaries. The standard processing time for claims is 20 working days upon submission of complete and verified requirements. However, delays may occur if additional documents are required or further validation is necessary.
Tips for a Smooth Application
For your reference, here are some important tips that may help your application easier:
- Double-check that all required forms and certifications are ready before filing.
- Ensure that IDs, certificates, and affidavits meet GSIS specifications.
- Prepare all required documents accurately.
- Choose the filing method that works best for you.
- Keep track of processing timelines to monitor your application status.
- Use the Transaction Monitoring System (TMS) reference number to monitor the status of your claim.
- For unclear requirements, visit the nearest GSIS Members’ Assistance Counter or contact their hotline.
- Take note of these other additional information involving the benefit:
- Maturity and Cash Surrender Value: For policies with maturity benefits or cash surrender value:
- Maturity benefits are equivalent to the original amount of insurance plus any supplementary amounts.
- Cash surrender value applies if the member resigns or separates before policy maturity.
- Maturity and Cash Surrender Value: For policies with maturity benefits or cash surrender value:
- Benefits Without Prescriptive Period: Claims for death benefits, accidental death benefits, and maturity or surrender value are not subject to prescriptive periods, provided all requirements are met.
- Filing Deadline: Under RA 8291, claimants must notify GSIS of the member’s death within 30 days and provide proof within 90 days if death was accidental.
Video: Claiming GSIS Benefit Upon Member’s Death
To learn more about whether a GSIS benefits can be claimed and who can do so in the event of a member’s death, please check this video from Prof. Allan Noguerra MBA, LPT:
Summary
Applying for the GSIS Death and Accidental Death Benefits Claim provides financial assistance to the surviving beneficiaries of deceased government employees. To avoid delays in filing the claims and securing the benefits, applicants must ensure that not only are all requirements complete and accurate, but that they understand the process completely. For further inquiries, visit the official GSIS website or contact their customer service.