The SSS Death Benefit is a form of financial assistance provided under the Social Security System (SSS) program. It offers monetary relief to the beneficiaries of a deceased member through either a lump sum or a monthly pension, depending on the contributions made by the member. This program guarantees that surviving family members are supported during a difficult time by alleviating some financial burdens, such as funeral costs or ongoing expenses.
Understanding the process of applying for this benefit is important for families seeking aid after losing a loved one. By following the correct steps and preparing all necessary documents, beneficiaries can efficiently claim what is rightfully theirs under the SSS program. This guide will walk you through the eligibility, benefit details, required documents, and application process to help you navigate the system effectively.
Program Overview
The SSS Death Benefit program provides financial assistance to the beneficiaries of deceased SSS members through a monthly pension or lump-sum payment, depending on eligibility. Introduced as part of the Social Security Act of 1954, the program aims to ensure financial stability for the families of deceased workers. It covers all registered SSS members, including private-sector employees, self-employed individuals, and voluntary members, with benefits extended to qualified legal dependents. Though the same program type is available under both the Social Security (SS) and Employees’ Compensation (EC) schemes, this guide is only about the SSS Death Benefit and the support it offers in cases of death due to natural causes and accidents.
Benefits
The SSS Death Benefit offers two types of assistance:
- Monthly Pension
- This is a lifetime cash benefit paid to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member available only if the deceased have paid at least 36 monthly contributions before the semester of their death.
- Lump Sum Benefit
- This is a one-time cash payment granted to primary beneficiaries when the member has paid fewer than 36 monthly contributions before death.
Other Benefits
- 13th-Month Pension: Primary beneficiaries receiving a monthly pension also receive a 13th-month payment every December.
- Funeral Benefit: The individual who covered the funeral expenses is entitled to a separate amount, depending on the deceased member’s contributions.
- Dependent’s Pension: Eligible dependent children receive 10% of the deceased member’s monthly pension or ₱250 (whichever is higher) for up to five children.
Who Can Claim the SSS Death Benefit?
The eligibility for the SSS Death Benefit depends on the relationship between the claimant and the deceased member:
Primary Beneficiaries
- Dependent Spouse: Entitled to the benefit until remarriage.
- Dependent Children: Includes legitimate, legitimated, legally adopted, or illegitimate children who are unmarried, unemployed, and below 21 years old. Exceptions apply if the child is over 21 but is physically or mentally incapacitated.
Secondary Beneficiaries
- If no primary beneficiaries exist, the benefit goes to the dependent parents of the deceased.
Legal Heirs or Designated Beneficiaries
- In the absence of both primary and secondary beneficiaries, any individual listed as a beneficiary in the member’s SSS records, or their legal heirs, may claim the benefit following the rules of succession under Philippine law.
Eligibility
The claimants of this SSS program benefit must also meet the following criteria to be eligible for the claim:Â
- Beneficiaries must be dependent legal spouses of deceased SSS members who:
- Have not remarried or entered into a “live-in” relationship before or after the member’s death.
- Have no dependent children.
- The deceased member must:
- Have valid membership coverage.
- Have no outstanding loans under specific SSS loan programs.
- Not have claims under the Portability Law or Bilateral Social Security Agreements.
- The death certificate must match the contingency date of the settled funeral benefit claim.
- No pending or previously settled death benefit claim.
- Must be registered on the SSS website.
- Must have an approved/enrolled disbursement account through the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM).
Documentary Requirements
Being eligible beneficiaries of the program means you should be able to provide proof that you are indeed the one who deserves to enjoy the benefits of the claim. To prove your eligibility, you will need the following documents:
Basic Requirements
- Completed Death Claim Application (DCA) form
- Photo and signature card (if no UMID card issued)
- Death certificate (PSA-certified or from a foreign country if death occurred abroad)
- Valid disbursement account details:
- Bank account, ATM, e-wallet, or remittance options
- Claimant’s identification (primary or secondary ID cards/documents)
Additional Requirements
If Death Certificate is Not Available
- Certification of non-availability issued by PSA/LCR or foreign government
- Any one of the following:
- Death certification from a church or parish
- Burial certification from the cemetery administrator
- Cremation certification
If Marriage Certificate is Not Available
- Certification of non-availability from PSA/LCR or foreign government
- One of the following:
- Certificate of marriage from the church or religious organization
- Affidavit/Certificate from the solemnizing officer with details of the marriage
Note: In case of children, submit the birth certificates of at least two children showing parents’ names and marriage details.
If Birth Certificate is Not Available
- Certification of non-availability issued by PSA/LCR or foreign government
- Baptismal/Dedication Certificate or equivalent with the child’s birth details
If unavailable, submit any two of the following documents:
- School records
- Insurance or health plan records
- Employment records of the deceased
- PhilHealth, GSIS, or Pag-IBIG records
Illegitimate Dependents
If the deceased did not acknowledge the dependent in the birth certificate, submit any proof of paternity, such as:
- Written acknowledgment (e.g., letters or records)
- Affidavit from two disinterested witnesses
- Membership data records from government agencies
Claimants Under Special Circumstances
- If filing under a Bilateral Social Security Agreement, submit liaison forms and two certified valid IDs
- If claiming under the Portability Law, provide the GSIS certificate of total contributions
Additional Requirements for Specific Cases
- Marriage Abroad: Finality certificate of annulment/divorce if the member had prior marriages
- Separated Spouse: Affidavit from relatives or court declaration proving continued dependency
- Adopted Children: Decree of adoption and Certificate of Finality
- Incapacitated Dependents: Recent medical certificate issued by the attending physician
- Dependent Under Guardianship: Savings account details, guardian’s ID, and application forms for payee representation
- For Spouses: Marriage Certificate Â
- Dependent Children: Birth Certificates of dependent children
- Illegitimate Children: Affidavit for illegitimate children
- Incapacitated Dependent: Medical certificates for incapacitated dependents
Notes:
- Documents issued abroad must have an English translation.
- Some supporting documents may require authentication by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
Application Procedures
To apply for the benefit, here are the steps you need to follow:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Filing
Step 1. Download the Death Claim Application (DCA) form from the SSS website.
Step 2. Ensure all supporting documents are complete and properly authenticated.
Step 3. Visit your nearest SSS branch and get a queue number.
Step 4. Submit the completed DCA and all supporting documents.
Step 5. SSS will screen, verify, and encode the submitted documents. Be prepared as the SSS may also request additional documents or corrections.
Step 6. Wait while the SSS evaluates eligibility, contributions, and dependents and the necessary checks (e.g., membership status, loan balances, and beneficiary data) are completed.
Step 7. Once approved, the claims are processed for payment (pension or lump sum) and a letter of instruction is issued.
Step 8. Wait for the benefits to be released to the enrolled disbursement account according to schedule.
Online Filing via My.SSS
Step 1. Visit the SSS website and log in to the My.SSS Portal.
Step 2. Click the “Apply for Death Benefit” option under the Benefits Menu.
Step 3. Select the type of claim: “SS Death”
Step 4. Encode the necessary details of the deceased member.
Step 5. Upload all required documents as scanned copies.
Step 6. Read the Certification, click “Certify and Proceed,” and submit the application.
Step 7. Acknowledge receipt of the submitted claim by saving or printing the confirmation message.
Step 8. Check your registered email for notifications on the claim’s status.
Step 9. Wait while the SSS validates the application, reviews documents, and assesses eligibility.
Step 10. If approved, the benefits will be disbursed through the enrolled account.
Note: For claimants in special circumstances (e.g., institutional confinement), benefits may be released via check.
Important Notes and Reminders
To avoid any hassle when filing SS Death claims, it is imperative to keep these things in mind:
- Always provide original copies and certified true photocopies of documents.
- For authorized representatives, present a Letter of Authority (LOA) or Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
- Ensure that any affidavit or certification is notarized and signed by the proper authorities.
- It is important to check the deceased member’s SSS record as certain deductions may apply to the death benefit, including:
- Unpaid loans by the deceased member.
- Overlapping benefits, such as sickness or maternity.
- Pensions paid after the member’s death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers related to filing for SSS Death claims:
1. Can beneficiaries still claim benefits if the deceased member has no contributions?
Yes, beneficiaries are entitled to the funeral benefit if the member was reported for SSS coverage, even without contributions.
2. What happens if there are discrepancies in documents?
Claimants must provide supporting affidavits or additional certifications to address inconsistencies in information.
3. Is the SSS Death Benefit taxable?
No, death benefits provided by the SSS are not subject to taxes.
4. How long does it take to process such claims?
In accordance with the rules stipulated in the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA), complex transactions such as filing for SSS Death claims should take at about 20 working days (if all requirements are complete) to give way to verification procedures.
Video: Online Filing of SSS Death Benefit
For a visual walkthrough on how to file for the SSS Death Benefit online, watch this video from MYSSSPH:
Summary
The SSS Death Benefit provides critical financial support to families of deceased members through monthly pensions, lump sums, and other allowances. Understanding eligibility, required documents, and the application process will help beneficiaries with the financial strain during such a challenging time, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives. If you or someone you know is eligible for the SSS Death Benefit, taking prompt action to file a claim can make a meaningful difference.