The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) provides retirement and separation benefits to qualified members, ensuring financial assistance when they resign, retire, or become disabled. These benefits apply to active and inactive government employees under specific laws like RA 8291, RA 660, and RA 7699.
Understanding the step-by-step process for filing a GSIS retirement and separation claim is important to avoid delays and secure benefits promptly. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know—from the eligibility criteria to the requirements and procedures—in order to help you in applying for the claim efficiently.
Program Overview
The GSIS Retirement and Separation Claim program provides financial assistance to government employees who retire, resign, or separate from service. Established under various laws, including Republic Act No. 8291, Republic Act No. 660, Presidential Decree No. 1146, and others, the program ensures qualified members receive retirement and separation benefits. Since its inception, the GSIS has been committed to safeguarding the welfare of public servants through these benefits.
The program is designed to support government employees during life transitions by offering financial security upon retirement, resignation, or disability. It operates under key legal frameworks like RA 8291 (GSIS Act of 1997) and RA 7699 (Portability Law), which define eligibility, benefits, and processes. Covered individuals include active and inactive GSIS members, provided they meet service duration requirements and other conditions specified under the laws.
Benefits
Through this program, the GSIS provides various financial benefits to eligible members and beneficiaries depending on their chosen retirement plan or separation type. Below is a list of benefits one can get from this:
- Retirement Benefits (RA 8291)
- Option 1: Lump sum equivalent to 60 months of basic monthly pension and lifetime monthly pension after five years.
- Option 2: Immediate lifetime monthly pension.
- Separation Benefits (RA 8291)
- Members with less than 15 years of service: Cash payment equivalent to 100% of their contributions and interest earned.
- Members with 15 or more years of service: Cash payment equivalent to 18 months of their basic monthly pension, plus a future monthly pension starting at age 60.
- Disability Retirement Benefits
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Lifetime monthly pension or cash benefit, depending on eligibility.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Cash payment equivalent to percentage impairment and degree of disability.
- Portability Law Benefits (RA 7699)
- Retirement and separation claims combine contributions from both GSIS and SSS, ensuring members meet the service requirements for retirement.
- Cash Surrender Value (RA 1616)
- Refund of personal contributions with interest and gratuity benefit payable by the last employer for qualified retirees.
- Survivorship Benefits
- Monthly pension for primary beneficiaries (spouse and children).
- Cash payment for secondary beneficiaries if no primary beneficiaries exist.
- Funeral Benefit
- PHP 30,000 cash assistance to help cover funeral expenses.
These benefits aim to provide financial security and assistance to government employees after retirement or separation.
Target Beneficiaries
The program is designed to benefit various groups of government employees and their dependents who meet specific eligibility criteria, including:
- Active GSIS Members: Government employees currently contributing to GSIS who opt for retirement or separation under RA 8291, RA 660, RA 1616, or RA 7699.
- Inactive Members: Former government employees separated from service but who did not claim benefits, provided they file within the prescriptive period (for those with less than 15 years of service).
- Retirees under Specific Laws: Individuals retiring under laws such as RA 8291 (GSIS Act of 1997), RA 660 (Magic 87), RA 1616, or PD 1146 (Revised GSIS Act of 1977).
- Disabled Members: Government employees who qualify for permanent total or partial disability benefits under RA 8291.
- Portability Law Beneficiaries: Members with combined GSIS and SSS contributions who qualify for benefits under RA 7699.
- Primary Beneficiaries: Spouses and dependent children of deceased members eligible for survivorship and other applicable benefits.
- Secondary Beneficiaries: Parents, legal heirs, or other relatives who may claim benefits if there are no primary beneficiaries.
This program is comprehensive enough to cater to individuals across various stages of their government service career and their families.
Eligibility
The GSIS benefits offered under this program are available to active and inactive members who meet specific criteria:
- For Active Members: Must be in government service and contributing to GSIS at the time of retirement, separation, or disability application.
- For Inactive Members: Must have been separated from government service and not yet claimed any GSIS benefits, with filing done within the prescriptive period (for those with less than 15 years of service).
- Active Members: Employees opting to retire, resign, or claim separation benefits under RA 8291, RA 660, RA 1616, or RA 7699.
- For Compulsory Retirement (RA 8291): Must have reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 with at least 15 years of government service.
- For Optional Retirement (RA 8291): Must be at least 60 years old with at least 15 years of service.
- For Separation Benefits (RA 8291): Must have been separated from service due to resignation or other causes, with at least three years of service for refund of contributions or 15 years for cash payment and pension eligibility.
- For Portability Law (RA 7699): Must have combined GSIS and SSS contributions that meet the service requirement for retirement or separation claims.
- For Disability Benefits: Must have suffered from permanent total or partial disability certified by GSIS medical evaluators.
- For Survivorship Benefits: Must be a legal spouse, dependent child, or legal heir of a deceased GSIS member.
Requirements for Filing
Depending on the type of claim, specific documents must be prepared. Below is a detailed checklist of requirements:
Compulsory/Optional Retirement or Separation Benefit (RA 8291, RA 660, RA 1616)
- Social Insurance Application Form – Obtainable from GSIS Member Assistance Counters or the GSIS website.
- Service Record with LWOP Certification – Issued by the claimant’s agency.
- Declaration of Pendency/Non-Pendency of Case (DPNPC) – Required upon GSIS notification.
- Photocopy of Valid IDs – UMID, eCard, passport, PhilID, or two government-issued IDs.
- 1st and 2nd Endorsements – Applicable to DepEd BARMM retirees.
Disability Retirement (RA 8291)
- Application Form for Disability Benefits – Available at GSIS counters or their website.
- Proof of Disability (Parts I, II, and III) – Complete all sections as required.
- Service Record with Certification – Includes sick leave details.
- DPNPC – Submitted after claim approval.
- Photocopy of Valid IDs – UMID, eCard, passport, or two government-issued IDs.
Portability Benefit (RA 7699)
- Application Form for Retirement under RA 7699 – Obtainable from GSIS or their website.
- SSS Certification – Indicating the number and months of contributions.
- Service Record with LWOP Certification – Issued by the agency.
- DPNPC – Required upon notification.
- Photocopy of Valid IDs – UMID, eCard, passport, or two government-issued IDs
Filing Options and Application Procedures for GSIS Retirement and Separation Claims
GSIS provides multiple options for filing claims, making it convenient for members. To apply, simply follow the step listed under each option:
1. In-Person Application
Step 1. Visit the Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD) to secure a queue number.
Step 2. Submit complete documents at the assigned booth and sign the tentative computation.
Step 3. Receive an acknowledgment receipt for your submitted documents.
Step 4. GSIS will validate documents, log them into their system, and inform the claimant of deficiencies or approval.
- Document Submission: Initial verification and acknowledgment of received documents.
- Eligibility Evaluation: GSIS reviews claim documents and updates membership records.
- Accounts Reconciliation: Reconcile member records for accurate computation of benefits.
Step 5. GSIS processes the claim, prepares the disbursement voucher, and forwards it for approval.
Step 6. Upon Final approval from authorized GSIS officials, the applicant will then receive a notification to submit the DPNPC form.
Step 7. Applicants can then receive the claim proceeds.
- Members with a UMID/eCard will receive benefits via e-crediting within 3 banking days.
- Members without a UMID account will receive a check within 20 working days.
2. Electronic Mail (eMail)
Step 1. Send scanned copies of all required documents to your GSIS handling office via email.
Step 2. Include a clear photo of the claimant holding the application form and valid IDs.
- Email Format: GSIS(Type of Claim)(BP No.)(Last Name)(First Name)(Agency Name).
Note: File size must not exceed 4MB. Multiple emails can be sent if necessary.
Step 3. GSIS will then validate documents, log them into their system, and inform the claimant of deficiencies or approval.
- Document Submission: Initial verification and acknowledgment of received documents.
- Eligibility Evaluation: GSIS reviews claim documents and updates membership records.
- Accounts Reconciliation: Reconcile member records for accurate computation of benefits.
Step 4. GSIS processes the claim, prepares the disbursement voucher, and forwards it for approval.
Step 5. Upon Final approval from authorized GSIS officials, the applicant will then receive a notification to submit the DPNPC form.
Step 6. Applicants can then receive the claim proceeds.
- Members with a UMID/eCard will receive benefits via e-crediting within 3 banking days.
- Members without a UMID account will receive a check within 20 working days.
3. Postal Mail or Courier
Step 1. Secure all original documents in a properly labeled brown envelope.
Step 2. Submit them via postal mail or courier to the appropriate GSIS branch.
Step 3. GSIS will validate documents, log them into their system, and inform the claimant of deficiencies or approval.
- Document Submission: Initial verification and acknowledgment of received documents.
- Eligibility Evaluation: GSIS reviews claim documents and updates membership records.
- Accounts Reconciliation: Reconcile member records for accurate computation of benefits.
Step 4. GSIS processes the claim, prepares the disbursement voucher, and forwards it for approval.
Step 5. Upon Final approval from authorized GSIS officials, the applicant will then receive a notification to submit the DPNPC form.
Step 6. Applicants can then receive the claim proceeds.
- Members with a UMID/eCard will receive benefits via e-crediting within 3 banking days.
- Members without a UMID account will receive a check within 20 working days.
Special Cases and Additional Rules
In certain cases, please take note of the following reminders:
- Pending Cases: Claims for members with pending administrative or criminal cases will be processed within 90 days from retirement or document submission.
- Death of the Member: If the claimant dies during processing, legal heirs must submit additional requirements.
- Thumb Mark Authorization: Members unable to sign must provide a thumb mark, witnessed by two individuals with valid IDs.
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA): If a representative files on behalf of the member, the SPA must include specific details like names, addresses, and transaction authorization.
- Overseas Certificates: Certificates of birth, marriage, or death issued abroad must be authenticated by the Philippine Consular Office.
Video: Step-by-Step Guide to GSIS Retirement and Separation Claim
For a more visual guide to help you better understand the procedures for claiming this GSIS benefit, watch this video from Prof. Allan Noguerra MBA, LPT. It will walk you through eligibility, required documents, and claim submission methods for a smooth process.
Summary
Applying for GSIS retirement and separation claims is a straightforward process when you prepare the necessary documents and follow the correct steps. Active and inactive members can file in person, through email, or via postal mail for convenience. Understanding the eligibility, requirements, and processing timelines helps ensure timely release of GSIS benefits, whether for retirement, disability, or separation. By familiarizing yourself with this guide, you can easily navigate the GSIS claim process and access the financial assistance you deserve when you need it.