The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) offers a funeral benefit claim as financial assistance to help ease the financial burden of burial expenses for members, retirees, or pensioners. This benefit is available to eligible individuals such as the surviving spouse or other qualified claimants who can prove they have paid for the funeral costs. Understanding the application process is important for those who need to file a claim during such a difficult time.
This guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for applying for the GSIS funeral benefit claim. It also includes eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and other essential information to help applicants successfully submit their claims and receive assistance.
Program Overview
The GSIS Funeral Benefit Claim is a financial assistance program provided by the GSIS to help ease the financial burden of funeral and burial expenses for the families of deceased members, retirees, or pensioners. This benefit, which is payable to qualified beneficiaries, such as the surviving spouse, children, or individuals who can present proof of funeral expenses was designed to cover active members, retirees, old-age or disability pensioners, and future payees under Republic Acts (RA) 660, 8291, 1616, Presidential Decree (PD) 1146, and RA 7699.
Originally established under RA 660, PD 1146, and RA 8291, the program also aims to address the immediate financial needs of bereaved families, ensuring that the dependents or legal heirs of deceased members receive adequate assistance. Over time, the program has adapted its processes to include digital, postal, and in-person applications, simplifying access for beneficiaries across the country, reflecting its commitment to provide social security and financial relief to its members and their dependents.
Benefits
The program offers the following financial assistance to help cover burial and funeral expenses for qualified beneficiaries.
- For deceased members or pensioners under RA 660, RA 8291, PD 1146, and RA 1616: A fixed amount of ₱30,000.00 is provided.
- For uniformed personnel of the PNP, BJMP, and BFP: The funeral benefit is ₱10,000.00.
- Other qualified beneficiaries: Financial assistance is offered if proof of funeral expenses is submitted, with the amount determined based on the approved rates at the time of application.
Target Beneficiaries
It is available to a range of beneficiaries, including:
- Surviving legitimate spouse
- Legitimate children who paid for the funeral services
- Other individuals who can prove they shouldered the funeral expenses
- Active GSIS members
- Retirees and pensioners under RA 660, RA 8291, PD 1146, and RA 1616
- Future payees and pensioners with at least 20 years of service
- Uniformed personnel of the PNP, BJMP, and BFP
Note: While uniformed personnel of the PNP, BJMP, and BFP are also covered, the benefit amount differs for these groups. There is also a hierarchy among beneficiaries to ensure that the most immediate family members are prioritized in the claim.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, the claimant must meet the following criteria based on their relationship to the deceased and the circumstances of the claim.
- The deceased must be an active GSIS member, an old age or disability pensioner, or a retiree under RA 660, RA 1616, PD 1146, or RA 8291.
- Former members with at least 15 years of creditable service entitled to future retirement benefits.
- The deceased retiree must have at least 20 years of service (if retired under RA 1616 before June 24, 1997) and be at least 60 years old at the time of retirement (if retired under RA 1616 after June 24, 1997).
- Claimants must be the surviving spouse, legitimate children who paid for funeral services, or other individuals who can provide proof of funeral expenses.
- If there is no surviving spouse, claimants must submit official receipts of funeral expenses and any required waivers or affidavits if another party is involved.
- For Indigenous Peoples (IP) or Muslim members, additional certifications from the NCIP or religious authorities may be required to establish eligibility.
Required Documents for GSIS Funeral Benefit Claim
Applicants must provide the following documents based on their relationship with the deceased:
Claimant is the Surviving Spouse
- Duly accomplished Application Form for Funeral Benefit (1 copy, original) (available on the GSIS website and GSIS Members’ Assistance Counter)
- Death Certificate of member issued by LCR or PSA or authenticated by Philippine Consular Office or Apostilled by the competent authority of the Apostille Country where the public document was issued, if died abroad (1 copy, certified true copy)
- Marriage Contract of member with the surviving spouse issued by LCR or PSA (1 copy, original or authenticated copy)
- If surviving spouse is not a GSIS member: original copy of his/her Birth Certificate issued by LCR or PSA or a photocopy of valid passport, or PhilID/ePhilID or two (2) valid government-issued IDs with date of birth and signature. The original copy of the passport or government issued IDs must be presented (1 copy, original or authenticated copy)
- If the deceased member is an Indigenous People (IP) or Muslim and claimant-spouse is not the sole wife: A Sworn Statement recognizing the existence and the right of the other spouses to the Funeral Benefit.
Claimant is other than the Surviving Spouse
- Duly accomplished Application Form for Funeral Benefit (1 copy, original) (available on the GSIS website and GSIS Members’ Assistance Counter)
- Death Certificate of member issued by LCR(1 copy, certified true copy) or PSA or authenticated by Philippine Consular Office or Apostilled by the competent authority of the Apostille Country where the public document was issued, if died abroad(1 copy, original or authenticated copy)
- For claimant who is not GSIS member/pensioner/retiree: Original copy of his/her Birth Certificate issued by LCR or PSA, or a photocopy of valid passport, or PhilID/ePhilID, or two (2) valid government-issued IDs with date of birth and signature. The original copy of the passport, or government issued IDs must be presented
- Death Certificate of legal spouse issued by LCR (1 copy, certified true copy) or PSA, if married (1 copy, original or authenticated copy);
- Notarized waiver in favor of the claimant with photocopy of of valid passport or PhilID/ePhilID, with two (2) valid government-issued IDs of the legal spouse with signature, if legal spouse is living
- Affidavit of the claimant stating that despite earnest efforts, the legal spouse cannot be located to sign a notarized waiver in favor of the claimant attested by two (2) disinterested persons and photocopy of valid passport or PhilID/ePhilID with two (2) valid government-issued IDs, if the legal spouse cannot be located; and
- Original copy of official receipt of funeral expenses issued in the name of the claimant (1 copy, original)
Alternative Requirements for Indigenous People (IP)
- Certificate of Confirmation (COC) issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) that the deceased member is an IP (1 copy, original);
- Certificate of Death of the IP attested by the NCIP (1 copy, original); and
- Certification/s of Marriage/s of the IP member attested by the NCIP (1 copy, original);
- COC issued by the NCIP, if surviving spouse or claimant is not a GSIS member (1 copy, original);
- If the claimant is not the surviving spouse/s, a Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) of the deceased IP member from the PSA or NCIP (1 copy, original).
Alternative Requirements for Muslims
- Certificate of Death attested by the Imam (1 copy, original);
- Certification/s of Marriage/s of the Muslim member certified by the Sharia Circuit Clerk of Court (1 copy, original);
- If the claimant is not the surviving spouse/s, a Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) of the deceased Muslim member from the PSA or Imam (1 copy, original).
Steps to Apply for the GSIS Funeral Benefit
To apply for this program, make sure to follow the steps listed below depending on the choice of application method:
Option 1: Walk-In Application
Step 1. Visit a GSIS Office:
Go to the nearest GSIS branch and proceed to the Information Center. Get a queue number for filing.
Step 2. Submit Documents:
Submit the completed application form and all required documents to the designated counter. Ensure that all documents are complete and accurate.
Step 3. Acknowledgment Receipt:
The GSIS staff will log your documents into their system and issue an acknowledgment receipt. Processing typically takes up to 20 working days after submitting complete requirements.
Option 2: Application via Email
Step 1. Prepare and Scan Documents
Make sure to include the following:
- Accomplished application form.
- Clear copies of valid IDs.
- A photo of the claimant holding the application form and IDs.
Step 2. Send the Email:
Email the scanned documents to the official GSIS email (e.g., gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph). The email subject should follow this format: FUNERAL BENEFIT_BP NUMBER_LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_AGENCY.
Step 3. Acknowledge Receipt:
Wait for GSIS to confirm receipt of your application and provide updates on the status. Original documents must be submitted within 10 working days for claim approval.
Option 3: Application via Postal Mail or Courier
Step 1. Prepare Documents
Secure all required documents inside a sealed brown envelope. Ensure that your contact details are included.
Step 2. Mail the Application
Send the documents to the GSIS branch handling your case via postal mail or a reliable courier.
Step 3. Acknowledgment and Processing
GSIS will validate your application and notify you about its status via email or SMS.
How Claims are Processed
For your reference, here are some important reminders:
- Make sure your records are accurate and up-to-date as the GSIS staff always evaluates the submitted documents and verifies the claimant’s eligibility using these records.
- Each claim undergoes a series of checks, including membership record updates and account reconciliations.
- Make sure to always keep duplicates or photocopies of submitted papers for future reference.
- If approved, the benefit is credited to the claimant’s UMID account within 3 banking days. If no UMID account exists, payment is issued via check within 20 working days.
- Claimants must file their funeral claims within the prescriptive period of four years from the death of the GSIS member.
- If there are delays, contact the GSIS branch handling your claim or email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph.
Video: GSIS Funeral Benefit for Survivor Pensioner
To learn more about the fineprint of the GSIS Funeral Benefits and about who and what can be claimed under this program, watch this video from Prof. Allan Noguerra MBA, LPT:
Summary
The GSIS funeral benefit offers much-needed financial support to cover funeral and burial expenses for deceased members, retirees, and pensioners. To claim this benefit, surviving spouses or eligible individuals must provide proof of eligibility and submit all required documents through walk-in visits, email, or postal mail. Processing times vary, but applicants can expect the benefit to be credited or released within 20 working days after the submission of complete requirements. If you are interested, check if you qualify for the benefit and follow the steps listed above to successfully access this financial assistance during difficult times.