This SSS Pension Computation Guide Can Help You Plan Financially for Retirement

It’s important to set the right example for young Filipinos by investing in a retirement savings plan that will allow them to retire comfortably. Unfortunately, the SSS pension will not be enough to fund this, but it’s a viable and consistent income source once they reach their prime. Although the amount may not be ideal for a lavish lifestyle, it’s better than not having any pension at all. This is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the SSS pension computation, which you will learn more about in this article.

SSS members should regularly pay their contributions to ensure that they receive the benefits they need once they retire. At present, the contribution rate is 13% of their monthly salary credit. It will increase by 1% every year until 2025. This means that the SSS pension will eventually become more unpredictable. As such, it’s important to set realistic expectations so that you can get the most out of it.

How to Compute SSS Pension

There are two ways to calculate the monthly pension of a member using the SSS website. The first method is to manually enter the details of the pension, while the second method is to use the website.

Manual SSS Pension Computation

The amount of money that a Social Security System member receives monthly is the biggest question that people ask. The SSS pension calculation is based on the various factors that affect a member’s monthly income, such as the number of years that he or she has been a member, the paid contributions, and the number of dependent minor children.

There are three different formulas for the SSS pension computation. The highest amount that the system will yield will determine the final pension.

₱300 + 20% of average monthly salary credit (AMSC) + 2% of AMSC for each credited year of service (CYS) in excess of ten years + ₱1,000
40% of the average AMSC + ₱1,000
₱1,200 if CYS is somewhere between 10-20 years; ₱2,400 if CYS is 20 years or more + ₱1,000

In this guide, we will talk about the first SSS pension formula. It is the most common type of computation that will determine the final pension amount. Since it is very complex, let’s use it in a specific case.

For instance, let’s assume that Ramon, who is a Senior Citizen, is currently earning around PHP 30,000 and has contributed over 40 years to the SSS. According to the current contribution table, his AMSC is around 20,000.

Here’s what his SSS pension computation will look like:

Monthly Pension (MP) = ₱300 + (20% of AMSC) + [2% of AMSC x 30 years (40 years – 10)] + ₱1,000

MP = ₱300 + (0.20 x 20,000) + (0.02 x 20,000 x 30) + ₱1,000

MP = ₱300 + ₱4,000 + ₱12,000 + ₱1,000

Monthly SSS Pension = ₱17,300*

Take Note: The computation used in this guide does not take into account inflation. For an accurate estimate, it would be ideal to contact the SSS office for assistance.

Online SSS Pension Calculator

If you’re worried about the complexity of the SSS pension table, there’s an easier way to calculate it: use the Retirement Benefit Estimator. This website is a free SSS pension calculator that can help you estimate your retirement benefits.

The SSS pension calculator will give you an estimate based on the following details: the member’s birth date, the month, and the year they joined the organization. You can also enter the captcha code to get an estimate.

The SSS pension calculator will compute two sets of monthly benefits: one for the members’ retirement age at 60, and another for those who retire at 65. The pension will be higher for the members who retire at 65, as expected.

Who is Qualified for SSS Retirement Benefits?

SSS pension is a cash payment given to members who can no longer work due to old age. To qualify for this type of benefit, the member must be:

At least 60 years old, the member is not employed nor self-employed. They can also qualify for this type of benefit by having at least 120 monthly contributions from the SSS.
65 years old, employed or not; with at least 120 monthly SSS contributions prior to the semester of retirement

What are the SSS Pension Requirements?

Before you start receiving your SSS pension benefits, it’s important that you thoroughly prepare the necessary documents.

Completed Retirement Claim Application (RCA) Form[3] or Application for DDR Benefit Form[4] (under the Portability Law, if applicable)
SSS ID, UMID card, or SS Form E-6 Acknowledgment Stub with two valid IDs (at least one with a photo and signature).
Original and photocopy of passbook/ATM card with name, or copy of bank-validated deposit slip or Cash Card Enrollment form

1 x 1 photo
If a representative will file for a retirement claim on behalf of a retiree-member, prepare the following additional requirements for the SSS pension application:
Authorized representative’s primary ID (SSS ID, UMID, PRC card, Seaman’s Book, or Alien Certificate of Registration) or two secondary IDs

Letter of Authority (LOA) with the SSS member’s signature or Special Power of Attorney (SPA) that specifically states the authority to file on behalf of and sign for the member.

Note:

For special cases, such as those involving SSS employees who are aged 60 to 64, the agency may also require additional supporting documents.

Any SSS branch or representative office can accept all types of retirement benefit claims.

SSS Pension Application

SSS members have two options when it comes to filing their retirement claim: online (via My.SSS portal) or over-the-counter.

Members can also file their retirement claims through a representative. For this option, they must bring all the necessary documents to the nearest SSS branch.

Qualifying Conditions for Filing an SSS Retirement Claim Online

The SSS also has the following conditions before members can apply online:

Members should also have a bank account enrolled in the My.SSS Bank Enrollment Module, which can be accessed through the UBP Quick Card or UMID-ATM.

If the SSS member is applying for a monthly pension:
At least 120 monthly SSS contributions before the semester of claiming
If the SSS member is filing for a lump sum benefit:

At least one posted monthly contribution
No dependent child/children
No outstanding loan balance under the Vocational Technology Loan, Educational Loan, Stock Investment Loan, or Privatization Fund Programs

No canceled or multiple SSS number/s

SSS Online Pension Application

Here are the steps to file for a retirement claim via My.SSS Portal:

Step 1:

To apply for a pension, log in to the SSS website at www.sss.gov.ph. Go to the Member Account section and click the submit button. For covered employees, enter the separation date.

Step 2:

After you’ve submitted your personal information, such as your address and contact details, the next step is to check if you’re eligible for the retirement benefit.

Step 3:

Answer the questions on your work as a miner, jockey, and parent of dependent children.

Step 4:

If eligible, the proceeds will be deposited into your UMID-ATM or the bank account registered in the Bank Enrollment Module.

How Will You Receive Your SSS Pension?

To make a pension claim, members must establish a single savings account and provide various supporting documents. These include their passbook, Visa Cash Card enrollment form, and bank statement.

The SSS will then remit the pension to the designated bank, which is preferably the one nearest to the member’s residence. The SSS retirement benefits can be received in two ways:

The monthly pension will start once the member has applied for the retirement benefit. However, if the member decides to continue working, the payment will be suspended until they reach the age of 65.

Members can also choose to receive a lump sum payment instead of a monthly pension. The SSS will then determine the lowest rate for the first 18 months of the pension.

The lump sum payment is the equivalent of the total contributions that the member and the employer have made to the SSS.

Possible Deduction/s in SSS Retirement Benefit

Some members may not receive the monthly pension in full because SSS deducts the following when applicable:

All unpaid SSS loans
Overlapping SSS sickness and partial disability benefits

Overpaid pension due to dependent’s death, employment, or marriage

Some Tips to Maximize Your SSS Retirement Benefit

If you’re certain that you’ve made the required 120 SSS contributions, then apply immediately. This will ensure that you’ll receive the monthly pension, which is better than the one-time lump sum payment. To check your total contributions, visit the SSS website.
If you’re still working and contributing to the SSS, then continue making voluntary contributions until you reach the age of 65. This will allow you to receive a higher retirement benefit.

If you’re 65 or older and still not making the required 120 SSS contributions, then continue making voluntary contributions until you reach the age of 65. This will allow you to fully enjoy your monthly pension retirement benefit.
If you’re planning on continuing working or self-employment in your later years, then make a claim at the age of 65 (not earlier). The SSS also suspends the monthly payments of members below 65 if they’re returning to work.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How many months of contributions do you need to avail of the SSS pension?

To receive a monthly pension, you need to make at least 120 SSS contributions a semester. If the total contributions don’t meet this requirement, then the member will receive a lump sum instead.

2. How to compute the SSS pension of voluntary members?

The computation of the SSS pension for voluntary members is similar to that for regular members. You can also try using the SSS pension calculator to determine the exact amount of your retirement benefit.

3. How to compute for the AMSC in SSS?

The average monthly salary credit is computed by taking into account the last 60 payments made before the semester of contingency began. It can also be calculated by taking into account the total number of monthly contributions made during the same period.

As an employed SSS member, your monthly salary credit can be multiplied by 60 to derive the AMSC. You can also compute this number by taking into account the number of payments made before the semester of contingency began.

4. How to compute the SSS pension for OFWs?

The AMSC calculation for OFWs is similar to that for regular members. You can also try using the SSS pension calculator to determine the exact amount of your retirement benefit.

5. How much is the maximum SSS pension?

The computation of the SSS pension is based on the number of years that you’ve paid SSS contributions and the average monthly salary credit. The higher the average monthly salary credit, the higher the monthly pension. In the Philippines, retirees can receive as much as 18,495.

6. When is the best time to claim your SSS pension?

If you’re planning on retiring at the age of 60, 65, or older, then make a claim at the age of 65, the earliest. Doing so will allow you to receive a higher pension and increase your contributions before you retire.

One advantage of filing for your SSS retirement benefit earlier is that it allows qualified dependents to receive a 10% of your pension. In case the pensioner passes away, the primary beneficiaries will receive a 100% monthly pension.

7. What is the technical retirement age of a mineworker?

For underground mineworkers, the retirement age is 60 years. For optional retirement, it’s 55 years. However, these individuals will still be able to continue contributing to the SSS until they reach the 120 contributions required to receive full pension benefits.

Final Thoughts

This guide will help you understand the SSS pension computation and answer frequently asked questions about it. It’s also a good resource for older family members who are still contributing to the fund.

Although the SSS retirement benefit won’t be enough to cover the daily expenses of retirees, it can still supplement other retirement funds.

There’s no better time to plan your retirement than now. Building a retirement fund and investing in real estate and stocks can help supplement your SSS pension.

We hope that this guide will give you a good overview of how the SSS pension works, and help you make informed decisions about your retirement.

Disclaimer: This post is not meant to be a comprehensive guide to the SSS pension. It’s simply an overview of how the system works and what you can do to prepare for retirement. For more information regarding the retirement products offered by the SSS, we recommend that you visit their official website or Facebook page.