SSS Death and Funeral Benefit: Updated Guidelines for 2023

The Social Security System (SSS) is a government agency in the Philippines that provides social security protection to its members and their beneficiaries.

One of the benefits offered by the SSS is the Death and Funeral Benefit, which provides financial assistance to the family of a deceased member. This benefit is updated annually to ensure that it remains relevant and responsive to the needs of its members.

For 2023, the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit has been updated to reflect the current economic conditions and the needs of its members.

The benefit provides a lump sum amount to the beneficiaries of a deceased member, as well as a monthly pension for the surviving spouse and dependent children.

The amount of the benefit depends on the member’s contributions and the number of eligible beneficiaries.

It is important for SSS members to be aware of the Death and Funeral Benefit and its updated provisions, as it can provide much-needed financial assistance to their families in the event of their untimely death.

By keeping their contributions up-to-date and ensuring that their beneficiaries are properly registered with the SSS, members can have peace of mind knowing that their loved ones will be taken care of in the event of their passing.

SSS Death Benefit

The death benefit is given as cash in two ways: a lump sum or a monthly pension. The money is given to the deceased member’s beneficiary with at least 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death.

Who are eligible to receive the SSS death benefit?

• Primary Beneficiary: Dependent spouse (until he/she remarries)
• Secondary Beneficiary: Dependent legitimate, legally adopted, and illegitimate children below 21 years of age, not employed, not married

To whom is the lump-sum amount given?

• Beneficiaries of the deceased member with less than 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death
• Designated beneficiaries and legal heirs in the absence of primary beneficiaries

How to claim SSS Death Benefit?

1. Fill out the Death Claim Application Form.
2. You can also apply for Death Benefit Online. og in with your username and password. Click Benefits and choose Apply for Funeral Benefit.
3. Fill out the required information in the Death Benefit Claim form online.
4. Prepare the original duplicate/certified true copy/certified photocopy of the following documents:
   • Birth or baptismal certificate
   • Marriage contract
   • Death certificate
5. Present the original and submit a photocopy of a single savings account passbook/ATM card with a name, and a copy of bank validated deposit slip or Cash card enrollment form.
6. Attach 1×1 photo.
7. Affix right and left thumbprints on portions provided on the form in the presence of an SSS employee.
8. Present Social Security card or SS Form E-6 acknowledgment stub, including 2 valid IDs.
9. Present original and photocopy of IDs.

SSS Funeral Benefit

This is a cash benefit given to beneficiaries for the funeral expenses of the deceased SSS member. Amount ranges from Php 20,000 to Php 40,000, depending on how many paid contributions the deceased member had and his or her average monthly salary credit.

What are the qualifications for an SSS funeral benefit?

• Must be reported for coverage by the employer
• Self-employed/OFW/non-working spouse with at least 1 contribution payment
• Employee-member was subject to compulsory coverage but not reported for coverage by the employer

How to claim a funeral benefit?

1. Go to the My.SSS portal of the SSS website. Log in with your username and password. Click Benefits and choose Apply for Funeral Benefit. Follow the instructions shown on the screen to apply for a funeral benefit claim.
2. Access the following:
   • List of Documentary Requirements
   • Update Contact Information
   • Update Disbursement Account
3. Upload the requirements upon confirmation of the deceased member’s eligibility and the claimant’s certification.
4. Enroll bank account or e-wallet details. Go to DAEM under the E-Services Menu of the My.SSS Portal.
5. Check your email notification regarding the funeral benefit claim.
6. View the status of the funeral claim through WINS, SSSIT, WEB, or the SSS mobile app.

How to File Death Benefit Claim ONLINE

It’s now easier than ever to file death benefit claims online. For qualified legal spouses of deceased SSS members,  just log in to your My.SSS online account to file the death benefit claim. Watch this SSS video tutorial for more info.

READ: SSS Death and Funeral Benefit FAQs

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What is SSS Death and Funeral Benefit?

SSS Death and Funeral Benefit is a program offered by the Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines to provide financial assistance to the beneficiaries of deceased SSS members.

This benefit aims to help ease the burden of the family left behind by providing them with a lump sum or monthly pension to cover funeral expenses and other related costs.

To qualify for the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit, the deceased member must have paid at least 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of their death.

The primary beneficiaries who can receive the benefit are the legal spouse, dependent children, and parents of the deceased member. If there are no primary beneficiaries, the secondary beneficiaries, such as the siblings of the deceased member, may receive the benefit.

The amount of the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit depends on the average monthly salary credit (AMSC) of the deceased member.

The lump sum benefit is equal to a certain percentage of the AMSC, while the monthly pension is a fixed amount based on the number of primary beneficiaries.

The benefit also includes a funeral grant, which is a fixed amount given to cover funeral expenses.

It is important to note that the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit is different from the SSS Funeral Benefit, which is a separate program that provides a one-time cash assistance to cover funeral expenses.

The SSS Death and Funeral Benefit is a more comprehensive program that provides long-term financial assistance to the beneficiaries of the deceased member.

For more information on the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit, you may visit the official SSS website at www.sss.gov.ph.

Who is eligible for the benefit?

The SSS Death and Funeral Benefit is available to eligible members and their beneficiaries. Eligible members include those who have made at least 36 monthly contributions and have paid their contributions for the month prior to their death. The beneficiaries eligible to receive the benefit include:

• The spouse of the deceased member
• The dependent children of the deceased member who are below 21 years old or are physically or mentally incapacitated
• The dependent parents of the deceased member
• If there are no beneficiaries mentioned above, any person who can show proof of payment for the funeral expenses of the deceased member can claim the benefit

The benefit is paid in a lump sum amount and is equivalent to one month’s salary credit of the member, but not less than Php 20,000.

For those who are eligible to receive the death pension, it is granted to a member who can no longer work due to old age. Qualifying conditions include:

• The member must be at least 60 years old and have paid at least 120 monthly contributions prior to their retirement
• The member must have stopped working and must not be receiving any other pension from the government or from any private institution
• The monthly pension amount is based on the member’s paid contributions and the number of credited years of service. The minimum monthly pension amount is Php 1,200 for members with at least 10 credited years of service, while the maximum amount is Php 20,000 for members with at least 30 credited years of service.

For more information on the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit, please visit the official SSS website at https://www.sss.gov.ph/.

How much is the benefit?

One of the benefits provided by the Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines is the Funeral Benefit. This benefit is given to the beneficiaries of a deceased member who has paid at least one monthly contribution to the SSS.

The amount of the Funeral Benefit ranges from a minimum of P20,000.00 to a maximum of P40,000.00. The specific amount depends on the number of paid contributions and the average monthly salary credit of the member. The higher the number of contributions and the higher the average monthly salary credit, the higher the amount of the Funeral Benefit.

The Funeral Benefit is intended to help the beneficiaries cover the expenses related to the funeral of the deceased member. These expenses may include the cost of the casket, the embalming, the funeral service, and the transportation of the remains, among others.

To claim the Funeral Benefit, the beneficiaries must submit the following documents to the SSS:

• Death certificate of the member
• Claim for Funeral Benefit (SSS Form BPN-103)
• Official receipt of payment issued by the funeral parlor
• Proof of the member’s SSS contributions

It is important to note that the Funeral Benefit is not subject to income tax and is paid in a lump sum to the beneficiaries.

For more information on the Funeral Benefit and other benefits provided by the SSS, visit the official website of the Social Security System at www.sss.gov.ph.

What are the requirements to claim the benefit?

If you are a beneficiary of a deceased SSS member, you may be eligible to claim death and funeral benefits from the SSS. Here are the requirements you need to prepare:

• Death Claim Application Form – This form is needed to notify the SSS of the member’s death. You can download the form from the SSS website or get a copy from any SSS branch.
• Original or certified true copy of the member’s death certificate – This document serves as proof of the member’s death.
• Primary ID of the claimant – This can be a valid passport, driver’s license, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID, or any government-issued ID with a photo and signature.
• Secondary ID of the claimant – This can be a company ID, senior citizen ID, or any ID issued by a reputable organization.
• Birth or baptismal certificate of the member – This document is needed to verify the member’s date of birth.
• Marriage certificate of the claimant – This is required if the claimant is the spouse of the member.
• Children’s birth certificates – This is required if the claimant is a child of the member.
• Affidavit of funeral expenses – This document is needed to claim the funeral benefit.

Take note that the SSS may require additional documents depending on the circumstances of the claim. It is best to visit the nearest SSS branch or check the SSS website for the complete list of requirements.

Once you have prepared all the necessary documents, you can file your claim at any SSS branch or through the SSS online portal. You will receive a notification from the SSS regarding the status of your claim within a few weeks.

How to Claim the Benefit?

Claiming the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit is a straightforward process that can be done either online or in-person. Here are the steps to follow:

• First, notify the SSS of the member’s death by submitting a death claim application. You can do this online through the My.SSS portal or by visiting any SSS branch.
• Provide all the necessary information and documents, including the member’s death certificate, SSS ID or UMID card, and your own valid ID.
• If you are the designated beneficiary, you will need to provide proof of your relationship to the deceased member, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
• Once your claim is processed and approved, you will receive the funeral benefit in the form of a lump sum payment. The amount of the benefit will depend on the member’s number of contributions and average monthly salary credit.
• If you have enrolled your bank account or e-wallet details with the SSS, the payment will be credited directly to your account. Otherwise, you can claim the benefit in person at any SSS branch.

It’s important to note that the funeral benefit can only be claimed by the person who paid for the funeral expenses of the deceased member. If someone else paid for the expenses, they will need to provide proof of payment and a notarized affidavit stating that they are the rightful claimant.

For more information on how to claim the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit, visit the official SSS website at www.sss.gov.ph.

What are the changes in the updated 2023 SSS Death and Funeral Benefit?

In 2023, the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit has undergone some changes. Here are the updates:

• The Funeral Benefit amount has increased from a minimum of P20,000.00 to a maximum of P40,000.00, depending on the member’s number of paid contributions and average monthly salary credit.
• The check-less Funeral Benefit has also been updated. The beneficiary can now receive the benefit through the bank account or e-wallet registered with the SSS. The process is faster and more convenient.
• The processing time for the Funeral Benefit claim has been reduced to 10 working days from the date of submission of complete documents. This is a significant improvement from the previous processing time that took around 30 days.

These changes are expected to provide better support and assistance to the beneficiaries of deceased SSS members or pensioners. The increased Funeral Benefit amount will help cover the funeral expenses, while the faster processing time and updated payment method will make claiming the benefit more convenient and hassle-free.

Conclusion

SSS Death and Funeral Benefit is a crucial financial assistance program for Filipinos. It helps families cope with the expenses of losing a loved one. The benefit amount varies depending on the number of contributions and average monthly salary credit of the deceased SSS member.

Applying for the benefit is now made easier through the My.SSS portal of the SSS website. Claimants can upload the requirements online and enroll their bank account or e-wallet details.

It is important to note that the funeral home can report the person’s death to the Social Security Administration. However, it is still the responsibility of the claimant to apply for the benefit. They can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to report the death or apply for benefits.

With the updated benefit amount of up to P40,000, the SSS Funeral Benefit can provide significant assistance to families during their time of grief. It is crucial for SSS members and their families to be aware of this benefit and to keep their contributions up to date.

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Have you recently lost someone close to you?

Are you now faced with death and funeral expenses?

Do you not have any idea how to raise money and pay for the remaining expenses?

Was the person who passed away an SSS member? Are you here to learn more about the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit?

Worry no more because, in this article, we will explain all crucial details and information about this particular benefit.

This article will also cover the application process and requirements as well as other important facts such as the dependent children’s allowance that comes with this benefit.

We are saddened to hear about your loss but we hope that you can cope up with it and continue living happily.

That said, here are the information about the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit.

What are the two types of SSS Death Benefit?

There are two types of this benefit like other SSS benefits (namely, the SSS Sickness Benefit and SSS Disability Benefit). Those two are:

1. Monthly pension is for the deceased members who had paid the 36 monthly contributions prior to death.
2. Lumpsum amount is for the deceased members who had not paid the 36 monthly contributions prior to death. The secondary beneficiaries will be the one to receive this amount.

How much will I receive?

The monthly pension that you will receive will depend on how many monthly contributions the deceased member has paid, the deceased member’s credited years of service and the number of dependent children that must not exceed by five.

FOR THE BASIC PENSION

There are three formulae, and whichever comes up with the highest answer, it will be the amount received.

1. P 300 + 20% of the average monthly salary credit + 2% of the average monthly salary credit for each credited years of service (if it exceeds 10 years).
2. 40% of the average monthly salary credit
3. P 1000 is the credited years of service (CYS) is less than 10 years; P 1200 if the CYS if at least 10 years and P2000 if the CYS is 20 years.

FOR THE LUMPSUM AMOUNT

Primary Beneficiaries

There are two formulae and whichever answer is the highest will be the amount received.

1. Monthly pension x number of monthly contributions paid prior before death
2. 12 x the monthly pension

Secondary Beneficiaries

There are two formulae and whichever answer is the highest will be the amount received.

1. 36 x monthly pension (if the deceased member has successfully paid 36 monthly contributions prior to death).
2. Monthly pension x number of monthly contributions paid before death; or 12 x monthly pension (whichever is higher)

What is the dependents’ allowance?

If the deceased member has five minor children (legitimate, legitimated, illegitimate or adopted) the five minor children, starting from the youngest, the illegitimate children will receive 50% share of the legitimate, legitimated or legally adopted children in the basic pension and 100% of the dependents’ allowance.

If there are no legitimate, legitimated or legally adopted children, the illegitimate minor children will receive 100% of the dependent’s allowance and 100% of the basic pension.

Amount Received

The amount that will be received is 10% of the deceased member’s basic pension or P250, whichever is higher.

Who qualifies?

The qualifying dependents are five minor children starting from the youngest. No substitution allowed.

What are the limitations?

If the dependent turn 21 years old, get married, get employed, or dies, the dependents’ allowance will stop. However, children over 21 years old who are mentally ill or incapable of self-support due to physical abnormalities will be given the dependents’ allowance support for a lifetime.

How to apply for SSS Death Benefit?

Like most application processes, first, you would need to prepare necessary documents for the processing.

The requirements are as follows:

1. Death Claim Application is a form needed to be filled out in order to notify the SSS of the death of the member
2. Affidavit of Death Benefit (if claimant is secondary beneficiary)
3. Filer’s Affidavit or the Sinumpaang Sanaysay
4. Other affidavit needed
5. Claimant’s photo, signature form and valid IDs

If the claimant is a guardian:

• Application of Employment as Representative Employee

If the claimant is a legal heir or designated beneficiary:

• Joint Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons

If death is work-related:

• Report of Death

If the claimant is the spouse of the deceased:

• Marriage certificate and birth certificates of minor children (duly certified by LCR/NSO)

And there are other more circumstances for the claimant. After that, take all necessary documents towards the nearest SSS Office Branch and file an application for the benefit.

What’s the funeral benefit?

The funeral benefit is a financial benefit given to whoever pays for the funeral and burial services of an SSS member who is now deceased. The minimum amount is P20000 to a maximum of P40000, depending on the credited years of service of the deceased SSS member and the number of paid monthly contributions.

The minimum amount is P20000 to a maximum of P40000, depending on the credited years of service of the deceased SSS member and the number of paid monthly contributions.

How to apply for the funeral benefit?

First, prepare the following documents needed:

1. Funeral Claim Application Form
2. SSS card or two valid IDs/documents of claimant, both with signature and at least one photo
3. Certified true copy of the Death Certificate of the deceased member
4. Original copy of the official receipt for the funeral parlor
5. New residence certificate of the filer

Some other additional documents will also be asked if necessary, depending on the circumstances of death.

As all transactions, filing is accepted at any SSS office branch near you.

Now that you have learned about the SSS Death and Funeral Benefit, you can now prepare the needed documents as soon as possible and make sure that the documents are in good shape and are in formal presentation, in order to avoid confusion later on.

We are lucky to have given such benefits that could essentially be helpful during times of mourning.

You may have lost a loved one, but it doesn’t mean that life ends there.

Click the link to read more about SSS Maternity Benefit, SSS Sickness Benefit, SSS Retirement Benefit, SSS Disability Benefit or visit the SSS website for more info.