DAVAO CITY —The Social Security System (SSS) announced that it has disbursed ₱32.19 billion in 13th month and December pensions to over 3.6 million pensioners, starting as early as November 29.
SSS Officer-in-Charge Voltaire P. Agas emphasized that the early release was intended as a pre-Christmas gift for SSS and Employees’ Compensation (EC) pensioners.
“We recognize the struggles of our pensioners, particularly those affected by recent tropical cyclones that have devastated parts of the country. The early release of these pensions aims to help address some of their immediate financial needs as they rebuild their lives,” Agas said.
Agas detailed the staggered release of pensions: First Batch: On November 29, ₱17.9 billion was credited to 2.09 million pensioners whose contingency dates fall within the 1st to 15th of the month. Second Batch: On December 4, ₱14.3 billion was distributed to 1.52 million pensioners with contingency dates from the 16th to the end of the month.
In addition, around ₱41.6 million in pensions was released to more than 6,000 pensioners through non-PESONet participating banks and checks.
“Pensioners with non-PESONet bank accounts received their pensions on December 4. We also coordinated with the Philippine Postal Corporation to expedite the delivery of checks to pensioners’ home addresses,” Agas explained.
Pensioners who availed of advance 18-month pensions for their initial benefits also received their 13th month pensions on December 4.
Since 1988, the SSS has been granting a 13th month pension to SSS and EC pensioners, equivalent to their monthly pension, as a tradition to enhance their benefits and acknowledge their contributions during their productive years.
Retirement and survivor pensioners receive 13th month pensions equivalent to their regular monthly pensions, while total disability pensioners receive the same without the medical allowance.
Partial disability pensioners qualify if their pension duration is at least 12 months. Dependents receiving pensions are also entitled to the 13th month pension.
“This annual tradition reflects the SSS’s commitment to valuing its pensioners and ensuring their welfare during the holiday season,” Agas concluded.
