SSS ACOP (Annual Confirmation of Pensioners Program)

The Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines offers a program called the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners Program (ACOP), which is designed to ensure that pensioners receive their benefits regularly and accurately. The SSS ACOP requires pensioners to update their personal information and eligibility status once a year to continue receiving their benefits.

Understanding the SSS-ACOP is important for pensioners to comply with the requirements and avoid any issues with their benefits.

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The ACOP was temporarily stopped during the pandemic in the Philippines as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The ACOP process requires pensioners to personally visit an SSS branch to update their information and eligibility status.

However, with the implementation of lockdowns and restrictions on mobility, it became difficult for pensioners to comply with the program requirements. In addition, the SSS also faced operational challenges in accommodating the large number of pensioners who needed to update their information, while ensuring the safety of their staff and clients.

As a result, the ACOP was suspended until further notice, with alternative modes of compliance being implemented to address the needs of pensioners during the pandemic.

Starting 2023, however, the program has been resumed to guarantee the protection of the Social Security Fund by ensuring that benefits are paid out only to eligible beneficiaries.

Target Pensioner Types

Under the SSS ACOP, all pensioners who receive their benefits through Survivor Pension, Total Disability Pension, Guardians and their dependents, and Retirement Pensioners residing abroad are required to present themselves for ACOP during their birth month.

The program aims to update their personal information and eligibility status to ensure the accurate and timely release of their benefits.

However, retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines are exempted from complying with the ACOP as they are already covered by the annual Pensioners Information Revalidation (PIR) program.

The ACOP program is crucial for pensioners to continue receiving their benefits regularly and to prevent any delays or issues with their benefits due to outdated information or eligibility status.

Links to Important Documentary Requirements

ACOP Form (Pensioner’s Reply)

This form is used for the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners Program (ACOP). Pensioners are required to fill out this form and submit it to the SSS branch during their birth month. The form is used to update their personal information, contact details, and eligibility status to ensure the accurate and timely release of their benefits.

Pensioner’s Data Change Request Form

This is a form that pensioners can use to request changes or updates to their personal information or eligibility status. The form is used for correcting or updating pensioner information such as their name, address, contact details, beneficiaries, and eligibility status for pension benefits. Pensioners can submit this form to the SSS branch along with supporting documents to request changes or updates to their information.

Self-Declaration Form of Survivor Pensioner on Non-Remarriage/Non-Cohabitation

This is a form used by Survivor Pensioners in the Philippines to declare their non-remarriage or non-cohabitation status. Survivor Pensioners who are legally prohibited from remarrying or cohabiting are required to submit this form to the SSS branch together with supporting documents such as a death certificate or legal annulment papers. This form is used to ensure the proper and accurate release of benefits to the survivor pensioner.

How to Comply and What to Prepare for the ACOP

Pensioners in the Philippines

Retirement Pensioners who reside in the Philippines are already covered by the annual Pensioners Information Revalidation (PIR) program, and therefore are not required to comply with the ACOP.

Survivor Dependent (Minor/Incapacitated) with the Guardian:
- Survivor Dependent pensioners who are minors or incapacitated and under the care of a guardian can comply with the ACOP through:
  - Corporate email of the SSS branch office, following the format as the email subject: ACOP Compliance, Pensioner’s Name (e.g ACOP Compliance, Juana Dela Cruz)
  - Mail/courier addressed to the SSS branch office
  - Drop box of the SSS branch
- The requirements include:
  - Duly accomplished ACOP form (Pensioner’s Reply)
  - One primary ID card or at least two secondary ID cards
  - Self Declaration Form of the Survivor Pensioner on Non-Remarriage/Non-Cohabitation (downloadable from the SSS website)
  - Additional documents such as a chest-level photo or snapshot of the pensioner holding a current newspaper, or a certification from the institution where the pensioner is confined.

Total Disability Pensioners

Total Disability Pensioners who receive their benefits through the Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines are required to comply with the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) program.

However, due to their disability, they have specific compliance procedures that are different from other types of pensioners. Here are the two ways Total Disability Pensioners can comply with the SSS ACOP Program and the requirements they need to submit:

Thru drop box of SSS branch: Total Disability Pensioners can comply with the SSS ACOP Program by submitting their requirements through the drop box of their nearest SSS branch. They need to prepare a sealed large brown envelope with their name (not SSS number) and include the following requirements:

Duly accomplished ACOP form (Pensioner’s Reply)
One primary ID card or at least two secondary ID Cards

Chest-level photo or snapshot of the pensioner holding a current newspaper or with a background of news crawler/ticker on the TV showing the current news headline and date.
Recent Medical certificate issued by his/her attending physician or by any government physician indicating complete physical examination findings and current medical status/condition.
Certificate true copy of result of laboratory procedure done within one (1) year from birth month (if any).

Home Visit: Total Disability Pensioners who are unable to personally visit an SSS branch due to their disability can send a written request from the pensioner/representative through email of medical services section/drop box/mail of the nearest SSS Branch to arrange for a home visit. The SSS will coordinate with the pensioner to schedule the home visit and ensure that the ACOP requirements are met.

Pensioners Residing Abroad (either Retirement, Survivor Dependent (minor/incapacitated) with Guardian)

For pensioners residing abroad, the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) program is still mandatory. Pensioners, including those who are retired, survivors, and dependents (minor/incapacitated) with a guardian, must comply with the ACOP program during their birth month.

Here are the guidelines on how to comply with the ACOP program if you are a pensioner residing abroad:

Manner of Compliance and Where to Comply:

Thru video conference using MS Teams (except for Total Disability Pensioner)

Request an appointment thru email at ofw.relation@sss.gov.ph.

Wait for SSS’ email confirmation on the ACOP-VC appointment together with the Transaction Reference Number (TRN), requirements for ACOP-VC, and MS Teams Meeting Link.
Present one primary Card or at least two secondary ID cards during the video conference.

Thru corporate email of Foreign Representative Office or OFW-Contact Service section at ofw.relation@sss.gov.ph following the format provided.

Thru mail or courier addressed to OFW-Contact Services Section, International Operations Group, 11th Floor, SSS Main Office, Diliman Quezon City, 1100, or the nearest foreign representative office (address can be found at the SSS Website).

Requirements:

For Retirement Pensioners, Survivor Pensioners, and Dependents (minor/incapacitated) with Guardian:

Duly accomplished ACOP Form (Pensioner’s reply).
One primary ID card or at least two secondary ID Card.
Self-declaration of surviving spouse (Non marriage/Non-cohabitation).

Additional document, whichever is applicable:

Chest-level photo or snapshot of the pensioner holding a current newspaper wherein the headline and date of publication are prominently displayed or having a background of news crawler/ticker on the TV showing the current news headline and date. The date of the newspaper/news crawler of ticker on the TV must be the same as the date of submission of ACOP compliance thru mail/courier/drop-box.
Recent Medical certificate issued by his/her attending physician or by any government physician indicating complete physical examination findings and current medical status/condition.

For Total Disability Pensioner:

Duly accomplished ACOP form (Pensioner’s Reply).
One primary ID card or at least two secondary ID Cards.

Additional document, whichever is applicable:

Chest-level photo or snapshot of the pensioner holding a current newspaper wherein the headline and date of publication are prominently displayed, or having a background of news crawler/ticker on the TV showing the current news headline and date. The date of the newspaper/news crawler of ticker on the TV must be the same as the date of submission of ACOP compliance thru mail/courier/drop-box.
Recent Medical certificate issued by his/her attending physician or by any government physician indicating complete physical examination findings and current medical status/condition.

Certificate true copy of result of laboratory procedure done within one (1) year from birth month (if any).

General Reminders

All pensioners must comply with the ACOP during their birth month. Failure to comply may result in the suspension of pension benefits.
Retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines are exempted from complying with the ACOP.

Pensioners residing abroad must comply with the ACOP either through video conference, mail/courier, or email.
The ACOP covers survivor pensioners, total disability pensioners, guardians and their dependents, and retirement pensioners residing abroad.
Pensioners must present one primary ID card or at least two secondary ID cards during the ACOP.

Pensioners must submit a duly accomplished ACOP form, self-declaration form (for survivor pensioners on non-remarriage/non-cohabitation), and other additional documents if applicable.
Pensioners must ensure that the date on the chest-level photo or snapshot of the pensioner holding a current newspaper or having a background of news crawler/ticker on the TV is the same with the date of submission of ACOP compliance.
Total disability pensioners must submit a recent medical certificate issued by their attending physician or by any government physician indicating complete physical examination findings and current medical status/condition, as well as a certified true copy of the result of laboratory procedure done within one (1) year from birth month if applicable.

Video: SSS ACOP Survivor Compliance 2023 Updated | Actual Application – Approved in just ONE DAY!

In this video, the vlogger discusses how to file for the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) with the Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines. ACOP is a mandatory requirement for all SSS pensioners, except for retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines.

This video will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to comply with the ACOP, including the required forms, documents, and procedures for different types of pensioners, such as those residing abroad or with disabilities. By the end of this video, you will have a better understanding of what you need to do to comply with the ACOP and maintain your SSS pension. So, let’s get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ACOP and who is required to comply with it?

ACOP stands for Annual Confirmation of Pensioners. All SSS pensioners, except for retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines, are required to comply with ACOP.

2. What are the consequences of not complying with ACOP?

Failure to comply with ACOP may result in the suspension of the pensioner’s pension.

3. How can I comply with ACOP?

Retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines are automatically compliant with ACOP, while pensioners residing abroad must comply through various means such as video conference, mail, or courier.

4. What are the required documents for ACOP compliance?

The required documents vary depending on the type of pensioner, but generally include the ACOP Form (Pensioner’s Reply), ID cards, and additional documents as applicable.

5. When should I comply with ACOP?

Pensioners should comply with ACOP during their birth month.

6. Can I reschedule my ACOP appointment?

Yes, you can reschedule your ACOP appointment by emailing OFW.relation@sss.gov.ph.

7. What happens during the ACOP video conference?

During the ACOP video conference, pensioners will be required to present their ID cards and answer questions to confirm their identity and eligibility to receive their pension.

8. Do I need to comply with ACOP every year?

Yes, ACOP compliance is required annually during the pensioner’s birth month.

Summary

The SSS ACOP is a crucial aspect of the Philippines’ social security system that promotes the well-being of pensioners. It serves as a means of verification to ensure that pensioners receive the correct benefits on time. By following the proper procedures and complying with the requirements, pensioners can avoid any issues with their benefits and enjoy a worry-free retirement.

It is imperative for pensioners to stay informed about the SSS ACOP and stay updated on any changes to the program to ensure a smooth and hassle-free compliance process.