SSS Funeral Benefits in the Philippines

The Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines provides a number of benefits to its members, one of which is the funeral allowance. This program aims to ease the financial burden of funeral expenses on the family. Recent enhancements to the program have expanded the coverage and amount of the benefit, reflecting the SSS’s commitment to improve the social protection of its members.

The funeral benefit is paid to the relatives (or close people) of the deceased according to the order of priority:

1. The legitimate spouse of the deceased is given first priority to receive the benefit.
2. If there is no surviving spouse, the legitimate child who covered the funeral expenses is eligible to claim the benefit.
3. In the absence of a spouse or child, any other person who can provide undeniable proof that they shouldered the funeral costs of the deceased may be entitled to the benefit.

What can you count on?

As of October 20, 2023, the SSS has increased the maximum funeral benefit to PHP 60,000. This change is designed to incentivize active membership and streamline the claims process, particularly for surviving legal spouses. The amount of the benefit varies based on the number of contributions made by the deceased member:

• For members with 36 or more monthly contributions: Claimants can receive a variable amount ranging from PHP 20,000 to PHP 60,000, determined by the member’s total contributions and average monthly salary credit.
• For members with less than 36 contributions: A fixed amount of PHP 12,000 is provided to cover funeral expenses.

What does the funeral benefit cover?

Today, the SSS funeral benefits covers a wide range of expenses related to burial and memorial services, including:

• Embalming services
• Burial transfer services and permits
• Funeral services (including church fees or equivalent)
• Cremation or interment services
• Purchase or rental of coffins
• Purchase or rental of niches, cemetery lots, or columbariums
• Memorial and funeral insurance plans

Claimants are reimbursed for actual funeral expenses, provided they do not exceed the computed funeral benefit due.

Application Process

The application process for claiming funeral benefits has been simplified to ensure accessibility for members and their families:

• Filing Period: Applications must be submitted within 10 years from the date of the member’s death.
• Submission: SSS member-claimants can file their applications online through their My.SSS account. Non-member claimants may submit their applications at any SSS branch.

If you are unable to do this yourself, you can always contact the SSS online help desk.

Download the SSS Funeral Claim Application

Priority and Documentation

The SSS prioritizes claims from the surviving legal spouse of the deceased member. For claimants other than the spouse, specific documentation is required, including proof of payment for funeral expenses. This may include:

• Official receipts indicating the claimant’s name and the deceased member’s name.
• Certifications if a memorial plan or funeral insurance was utilized.
• A notarized affidavit if the spouse is untraceable or did not cover the expenses.

Summary

The funeral benefits provided by SSS serve as a critical support mechanism for families facing the loss of a loved one. With recent program enhancements, SSS is committed to providing its members with substantial financial assistance, ensuring that they can honor their deceased loved ones without financial strain. The structured application process and comprehensive coverage reflect SSS’s commitment to improving the well-being of its members and their families during difficult times.