SSS Death Claim Benefits and Requirements List 2023

When a member of the SSS passes away, their beneficiaries have the opportunity to claim two distinct benefits: the funeral benefit and the death benefit. The SSS funeral benefit is provided as a one-time lump sum payment. In contrast, the SSS death benefit can be received either as a monthly pension or as another lump sum payment.

The specific form of the death benefit you receive depends on various factors, including who is claiming it and the number of contributions the deceased member made before the semester of their death. In the following paragraph, we will provide a detailed explanation of how these benefits can be claimed and what steps need to be taken.

Related: NEW SSS CONTRIBUTION TABLE FOR EMPLOYEES EMPLOYERS 2023

How to Get the SSS Funeral Benefit?

Getting the SSS Funeral Benefit can be a big help when you’ve paid for a funeral. Anyone who has covered funeral costs can apply for this benefit, which can be anywhere from Php 20,000 to Php 40,000. The exact amount you get depends on things like how much you’ve contributed, your average monthly salary, and the receipt you provide.

To figure out the funeral benefit, you use this formula:

Funeral Benefit = Php 20,000 + (0.005 x number of contributions x average monthly salary)

Think of this benefit as getting a refund. But here’s the trick: you can only claim as much as your receipt shows or the calculated funeral grant, whichever is lower. For example, if the calculation gives you Php 40,000, but your receipt says Php 35,000, you’ll get only Php 35,000.

Sometimes, like in my case, there can be mix-ups. I got a receipt for only Php 20,000 because I made a small initial payment. This meant I could only claim up to Php 20,000, even though I paid nearly Php 80,000 for the funeral, not counting the lot and burial costs.

So, here are some tips:

1. If you can wait, claim the benefit after covering all funeral costs.
2. If you need the money fast, ask the funeral parlor for a temporary receipt that shows the actual amount paid. They’re used to this and might assist you.

Now, let’s go through the steps to claim the SSS Funeral Benefit:

1. Go to the nearest SSS branch:

Find the closest SSS branch and ask about the requirements. You can also inquire about the death benefit. Forms are available at the branch, but you can print them if you prefer. If you do, you can file your claim on your first visit. SSS accepts death certificates certified by the local civil registrar’s office, which you can get at the city hall where the death certificate was filed. Here’s what you need:

• Claim for Funeral Benefit (SSS Form BPN-103)
• Certified death certificate from the Local Civil Registrar
• Receipt from the funeral parlor
• Affidavit of funeral expenses
• Report of Death (if the death is work-related)
• Photo and valid IDs of the person filing
• Original or certified true copies of supporting documents during claim filing.

2. Submit the requirements:

You can file your SSS funeral claim during your first visit. Be prepared for lines and wait times. Based on my experience, visiting the SSS branch took about half a day. After you submit your documents, don’t forget to ask for your claim number and return date.

3. Get the payment:

If you want a check, visit the SSS branch on the specified date. But keep in mind that SSS encourages electronic payments instead of checks. If you’re an SSS member, enroll a disbursement account through the Bank Enrollment Module (BEM) in your My.SSS portal. You can pick your preferred disbursement account, like any PESONet participating bank, e-wallet, or Remittance Transfer Company/Cash Pay-Out (RTC/CPO) like M. Lhuillier.

4. File online:

If you’re tech-savvy, you can file your claim online from home. Log in to your My.SSS members account, click on e-services, and select “Submit Funeral Claim Application.” Fill out the form, choose how you want the money in the “Disbursement Account Enrollment Module,” and click “Proceed.” You’ll get a confirmation email when you’re done.

Claiming the SSS Funeral Benefit can help ease financial stress during a tough time. Just remember to follow the process carefully and make sure you have all the requirements for a successful claim.

Related Article: How to Pay SSS Loan with GCash?

How to Claim SSS Death Benefit?

Claiming the SSS Death Benefit is a crucial step when a family member passes away, but be prepared; it’s not as straightforward as the funeral benefit. Based on my experience, this process can be time-consuming, and the requirements can be quite demanding. Let me guide you through the steps.

Step 1: Visit the Nearest SSS Branch

You might have been to an SSS branch for the funeral benefit, but if not, take this opportunity to understand the process, requirements, and eligibility for claiming the death benefit. There are four types of beneficiaries, and not all of them qualify:

• Primary Beneficiary: The spouse of the deceased member.
• Secondary Beneficiary: If there is no spouse or the spouse has remarried, the parents of the deceased member can claim the benefits.
• Assigned Beneficiary: Based on the SSS E-1 record, an assigned beneficiary can file the claim.
• Legal Heirs: If there is no assigned beneficiary, the claim can be filed by the legal heir(s) according to the law of succession under the Civil Code of the Philippines.

Prepare for long queues, as many claimants line up even before the branch opens.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

To start the process, you’ll need various documents, including:

• Death claim application (SSS DDR-1)
• Affidavit of the claimant or Filer’s Affidavit
• Death certificate of the member duly certified by PSA
• Death certificate of the spouse duly certified by PSA
• Death certificate of the member’s parent duly certified by PSA
• Affidavit for Death Benefit Claim (SS Form CLD-1.3A)
• Affidavit of Legal Heirs (SS Form CLD-1.3)
• Marriage Contract
• Marriage Contract of the deceased member’s parents
• Birth/Baptismal Certificate of dependent children
• Birth/Baptismal Certificate of the member
• Birth/Baptismal Certificate of the member’s siblings
• Birth/Baptismal Certificate of minor beneficiaries
• Proof of relationships, such as birth records or court statements
• Medical Certificate of incapacitated child/spouse
• Accident Report/Report of Death (SS Form BPN-105)
• Application for Guardianship (SS Form CLD-15)
• Guarantor’s Form (SS Form BPN-107)
• Joint affidavit of two disinterested persons attesting to the facts
• Passbook/ATM card or a copy of a validated deposit slip (original and photocopy), or Cash Card Enrollment Form for pension
• Recent residence certificate of the claimant
• Latest 1 x 1 picture of the claimant
• Original and photocopy of claimant’s Social Security Card, Passport, PRC Card, Seaman’s Book, Driver’s License, or any two valid IDs, with at least one having a photo (e.g., Company ID, Senior Citizen’s ID, Police or NBI Clearance, Voter’s ID, etc.)
• Any other documents required by the SSS

Step 3: Compile the Necessary Documents

One of the most challenging aspects of claiming the SSS death benefit is assembling all the required documents. If there are multiple claimants, you must compile supporting documents for each one. Keep in mind that SSS only accepts death certificates certified by PSA, and these can take several months to become available in their system.

Besides the beneficiary, the dependents of the deceased member may also be eligible for a dependent pension, which is equal to 10% of the monthly pension or Php 250, whichever is higher. To qualify:

• Dependents must be below 21 years old unless they are incapacitated and financially dependent.
• Up to five children can claim, starting from the youngest, with no substitutions allowed.
• Children must be legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted.
• If there are fewer than five legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted children, illegitimate children may claim to reach the maximum of five.
• The dependents must have no work or spouse.

Step 4: Submit the Requirements

Obtaining a death certificate from PSA can be a challenging task. It may require multiple visits and months of waiting. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, submit them to the nearest SSS branch in your area. They will provide you with a document listing the requirements and tell you when to return. During my experience, I was asked to return after a month. Be patient and keep a positive attitude throughout the process.

Step 5: Claim the Payment

Typically, the cheque will be ready a month after you submit the requirements. Visit the branch where you processed the claim to collect your cheque. Be prepared; they may not provide a detailed breakdown of the payment. If you want an estimate of what to expect, the benefit depends on the number of monthly contributions and who is claiming:

• If the deceased member had fewer than 36 monthly contributions, the beneficiary receives a lump sum equal to the computed monthly pension multiplied by the number of credited monthly contributions. For example, if the deceased member paid 35 monthly contributions, and the calculated monthly pension is Php 5,000, the lump sum would be Php 175,000.
• If the deceased member had more than 36 monthly contributions, the beneficiary may be entitled to a monthly pension.

Please note that the computation for the monthly pension is similar to the SSS Retirement benefit.

In 2015, the only way to claim this benefit was via cheque. Now, SSS encourages electronic transactions, allowing you to receive the SSS death benefit through a PESONet participating bank, e-wallet, or Remittance Transfer Company/Cash Pay-Out (RTC/CPO) like M Lhuillier.

Final Thoughts:

Losing a loved one is emotionally and financially challenging. For many, the SSS funeral grant and death benefit offer a glimmer of hope to begin a new chapter in life. It may be the only legacy the deceased member leaves to their family. Regardless of the reason for claiming, consider wisely how to utilize the money received, such as settling debts, preserving memories, saving, investing for the future, getting insurance, and more.