The Philippine Social Mutual Benefit Fund, Inc. (PSMBFI) continues to extend assistance to its members and their families during life’s most challenging times. One of the programs offered by the Philippine Social Mutual Benefit Fund, Inc. (PSMBFI) to help extend assistance to its members and their families is the Terminal Illness Benefit (TIB)—a form of financial aid and compassionate support system provided to members diagnosed with a terminal or an end-stage or incurable illness or medical condition that is expected to result in the member’s death.
Whether you are a PNP officer, civilian employee, or dependent, if you or your loved one is a member of the PSMBFI, this guide can teach you how to apply for this benefit so you can avail of this support during this very difficult period.
Program Features
The Terminal Illness Benefit (TIB) is an assistance program exclusively offered to active members of PSMBFI who have been diagnosed with a medical condition that can no longer be cured or adequately treated and is expected to result in the member’s death.
- The benefit amount is ₱100,000.00 or 25% of the member’s death benefit, whichever is applicable.
- Each member is entitled to only one prepayment benefit for the entire duration of their membership.
This benefit provides members and their families with financial assistance that can be used to cover medical expenses, daily needs, or other costs related to long-term care.
Coverage and Exclusions
The Terminal Illness Benefit covers all types of illnesses that meet the definition of terminal illness. However, there are specific exclusions. A claim will not be approved if the illness arises from:
- Any attempt at self-destruction or suicide (whether sane or insane).
- Addiction to alcohol or illegal drugs not prescribed by a licensed physician.
- Poisoning from gas or fumes (whether voluntarily or involuntarily taken), atomic radiation, or nuclear exposure.
Purpose
The TIB was created with specific goals in mind:
- To support PSMBFI members facing terminal illness by giving them immediate access to part of their death benefit.
- To help police personnel, uniformed services, and their dependents manage medical costs and financial needs during this stage.
- To provide peace of mind to members, knowing that their family will have some financial help while they are still alive.
For members of the PNP, other uniformed personnel, and their dependents, the TIB serves as a lifeline of financial assistance during an extremely challenging situation.
Benefits
The TIB is especially valuable to PNP dependents, police personnel, and other PSMBFI members because it:
- Provides immediate financial assistance while the member is still alive.
- Helps with medical expenses and other costs brought about by long-term or end-stage illness.
- Lessens the financial burden on the family, allowing them to focus on care and quality time with their loved one.
Who Can Avail?
The TIB is available to all active PSMBFI members, which includes both uniformed and civilian personnel from the following agencies:
- Philippine National Police (PNP)
- National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM)
- Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
- Department of Transportation – Office of Transportation Security (DOTr-OTS)
- Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA)
- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
- National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA)
- Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
- Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC)
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
- Bureau of Immigration (BI)
- Land Transportation Office (LTO)
- Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)
- Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
Note: In cases where the member is too ill to personally process the application, an authorized dependent or representative with valid identification may file the claim on their behalf.
Qualifications
Here’s a list of eligibility criteria that those who want to avail of the PSMBFI TIB must satisfy:
- Must be an active PSMBFI MEP member.
- Diagnosed with an end-stage or incurable illness that cannot be cured or adequately treated, and is reasonably expected to result in death.
- Members can claim the benefit only once during their lifetime.
- Members must belong to any of the accepted agencies (uniformed or civilian personnel)
Documentary Requirements for TIB Claims
To apply for a claim under the PSMBFI Terminal Illness Benefit, members need to prepare and submit the following:
- Terminal Illness Benefit Claim Form
- Medical Certificate or Medical Abstract issued by a legally licensed physician (must not be an immediate family member up to the 3rd degree by affinity or consanguinity)
- Valid IDs: PNP ID and a valid ID of the member’s representative (if the member is unable to personally file due to illness)
Step-by-Step Guide
To make the process easier, here’s a simplified application procedure that you can follow:
Step 1. Secure the Terminal Illness Benefit Claim Form
This can be requested from the PSMBFI office or regional offices.
Step 2. Prepare all documentary requirements.
Step 3. Submit the application personally or through an authorized representative at the main or regional office.
Step 4. Complete the claim agreement form.
This confirms your request for prepayment of part of your death benefit.
Step 5. Wait for confirmation
PSMBFI will review and verify your application, then notify you regarding approval or status.
Step 6. Receive the benefit payout.
If approved, you or your representative will receive the ₱100,000 or 25% of your death benefit.
Fees and Processing Timelines
Claiming the PSMBFI TIB does not require any processing fee from members or their dependents when filing an application. Once the complete documents are submitted, the application will go through standard evaluation and verification at the PSMBFI main or regional office. The processing timeline may vary, but applicants are usually informed of the status of their claim within a reasonable period after submission of complete requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding TIB:
1. How much is the benefit amount?
You can receive ₱100,000.00 or 25% of your death benefit, whichever applies.
2. Can I claim this more than once?
No. The TIB can only be claimed once during the lifetime of the member.
3. Can my family apply on my behalf?
Yes. If the member is too ill to process the application personally, a representative with a valid ID may file the claim.
4. What if my illness is not included in the exclusions?
As long as your illness is considered terminal by a licensed physician, it may be covered.
5. How will I know if my claim is approved?
PSMBFI will notify you of your application status once documents have been verified.
Where to Learn More
For more details about the Terminal Illness Benefit (TIB) and other assistance programs for PNP personnel and dependents, visit the PSMBFI office or check updates through their official website or social media channels.