BY BENJAMIN CUARESMA
MANILA — Millions of pensioners under the Social Security System will begin receiving higher monthly benefits this June after the agency moved up the second phase of its pension reform program by three months.
Originally scheduled for September, the increase was advanced following instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to help Filipinos manage the continuing rise in food, fuel, transport, and electricity expenses.
The early rollout is expected to release around P6.5 billion in additional pension funds from June to August 2026.
Under the updated pension adjustment program:
- Retirement and disability pensions will increase by 10 percent yearly
- Death and survivorship pensions will increase by 5 percent yearly
The adjustment is permanent and will automatically be reflected in monthly payouts. It is not a one-time cash assistance or bonus.
SSS also clarified that the increase compounds annually, meaning future adjustments are computed based on the already increased pension amount.
For a pensioner currently receiving P6,000 monthly:
- Original pension: P6,000
- First increase in September 2025: P6,600
- Second increase in June 2026: P7,260
- Third increase projected for September 2027: P7,986
By June 2026, the pensioner would receive an additional P1,260 every month compared to the original pension amount. By 2027, the increase could reach nearly P2,000 monthly.
SSS estimates that retirement and disability pensions may grow by about 33 percent over three years.
For survivorship pensioners receiving P3,000 monthly:
- Original pension: P3,000
- First increase in September 2025: P3,150
- Second increase in June 2026: P3,307.50
- Third increase projected for September 2027: P3,472.88
This means beneficiaries could receive an additional P307.50 beginning June 2026, with the increase reaching nearly P473 by 2027.
Overall growth for survivorship pensions is projected at around 16 percent after three years.
The adjustment covers pensioners receiving:
- Retirement pensions
- Disability pensions
- Death pensions
- Survivorship pensions
SSS said existing beneficiaries do not need to submit additional applications or documents, as the increase will be automatically credited to their monthly pension releases.
Dependents’ pensions and the additional P1,000 benefit allowance will also be included in the updated computation.
According to SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph de Claro, the accelerated rollout aims to provide faster financial relief to pensioners and workers affected by inflation and increasing household expenses.
The move comes as many Filipino families continue to face higher prices for essential goods and services nationwide.
ia/xf
