SSS hikes members’ funeral benefits

MANILA, Philippines, October 26 ------ The Social Security System (SSS) has increased the maximum funeral benefits of its members as the pension fund ramps up its social protection drive. In its latest circular on the Social Security Funeral Benefit Program, SSS president and chief executive officer Rolando Macasaet said the enhanced guidelines aim to incentivize active members. “This is by raising the maximum amount of funeral benefit to P60,000 and streamlining the provision of funeral benefits to claimants, especially for surviving legal spouses,” Macasaet said.

Under the guidelines, claimants of deceased members with 36 or more monthly contributions may receive a variable amount from P20,000 to P60,000 in funeral benefits. This would depend on the member’s number of paid contributions and average monthly salary credit. On the other hand, the funeral benefit for members who paid at least one but less than 36 monthly contributions up to the month of death shall be a fixed amount of P12,000.

SSS noted that the enhanced funeral benefit will cover embalming services, burial transfer services and permits, funeral services, cremation or interment services, purchase or rent of coffins, niche, memorial lot or columbariums and memorial and funeral insurance plan. SSS added that the funeral expenses as indicated in the proof of payment shall be reimbursed, but not to exceed the computed funeral benefit due.

The surviving legal spouse of a member will also be given priority over other claimants. Further, applications for funeral benefit will have a prescriptive period of filing of 10 years from the month of death of the member or pensioner.

Source: philstar.com