SSS Death Benefit Guide 2026: Requirements, Amount & How to Claim
Complete guide to SSS death benefit in 2026. Learn who can claim, requirements, pension computation, lump sum amounts, and step-by-step filing process.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with financial matters during such a difficult time can be overwhelming. The Social Security System (SSS) provides a death benefit to help ease the financial burden on the family of a deceased member. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about claiming this important benefit.
What is SSS Death Benefit?
The SSS Death Benefit is a cash benefit paid to the beneficiaries of a deceased SSS member. Depending on the member’s contribution history, this benefit is paid either as a monthly pension (lifetime cash benefit) or as a lump sum (one-time payment).
The benefit aims to provide financial support to the surviving family members who depended on the deceased member for their livelihood.
Types of Death Benefits
1. Monthly Pension
A lifetime monthly pension is paid to the primary beneficiaries if the deceased member had at least 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death.
Additional benefits for monthly pensioners include:
- 13th Month Pension – Paid every December
- P1,000 Additional Benefit – Added on top of the monthly pension (effective January 1, 2017)
- Dependent’s Pension – 10% of the monthly pension or P250 (whichever is higher) per qualified dependent child, up to 5 children
2. Lump Sum Benefit
A one-time cash payment is given if the deceased member had less than 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death. Secondary beneficiaries and legal heirs also receive lump sum benefits instead of monthly pension.
Who Can Claim SSS Death Benefit?
SSS follows a strict hierarchy when determining who can claim the death benefit:
Primary Beneficiaries
These are the first in line to receive benefits:
| Beneficiary | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Dependent Spouse | Legally married to the deceased; loses eligibility upon remarriage |
| Dependent Children | Legitimate, legitimated, legally adopted, or illegitimate children who are: unmarried, not gainfully employed, and below 21 years old (or any age if permanently incapacitated) |
Secondary Beneficiaries
If there are no primary beneficiaries, the following may claim:
| Beneficiary | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Dependent Parents | Must be dependent on the deceased member for support |
Other Beneficiaries
If there are no primary or secondary beneficiaries:
| Beneficiary | Description |
|---|---|
| Designated Beneficiaries | Any person designated by the member in SSS records |
| Legal Heirs | As determined by the Family Code of the Philippines |
How Much is the SSS Death Benefit?
Monthly Pension Computation
For members with at least 36 contributions, the monthly pension is calculated using the highest result from these formulas:
Formula 1:
P300 + (20% × AMSC) + (2% × AMSC × [CYS – 10])
Formula 2:
40% × AMSC
Formula 3 (Minimum Pension):
- P1,000 – if member has less than 10 CYS
- P1,200 – if member has at least 10 CYS
- P2,400 – if member has at least 20 CYS
Where:
- AMSC = Average Monthly Salary Credit
- CYS = Credited Years of Service
Additional Benefits:
- P1,000 additional benefit on top of monthly pension
- 13th month pension every December
- Dependent’s pension: 10% of basic monthly pension or P250 per child (whichever is higher), up to 5 children
Lump Sum Computation
For Primary Beneficiaries (with less than 36 contributions):
The lump sum is the higher of:
- Monthly pension × number of contributions paid, OR
- Monthly pension × 12
For Secondary Beneficiaries:
If member has 36+ contributions:
- Monthly pension × 36
If member has less than 36 contributions:
- Monthly pension × number of contributions, OR
- Monthly pension × 12 (whichever is higher)
Sample Computation
Example: Juan passed away with an AMSC of P15,000 and 15 CYS.
Using Formula 1:
P300 + (20% × P15,000) + (2% × P15,000 × [15 – 10])
= P300 + P3,000 + P1,500
= P4,800
Using Formula 2:
40% × P15,000 = P6,000
Using Formula 3: P1,200 (minimum for 10+ CYS)
Result: The highest is P6,000, plus P1,000 additional benefit = P7,000 monthly pension
Requirements for SSS Death Benefit Claim
Basic Documentary Requirements
- Death Claim Application Form – Available at SSS branches or online
- Member’s Photo and Signature Card – If claimant doesn’t have a UMID card
- Death Certificate – PSA or LCR-issued (original or certified true copy)
- Disbursement Account – Any of the following:
- UMID card enrolled as ATM
- Bank passbook or ATM card
- Validated deposit slip
- Bank certificate/statement (issued within 3 months)
- E-wallet (GCash, Maya)
- Remittance channels (MLhuillier, etc.)
- Valid ID of Claimant – UMID, Driver’s License, Passport, Voter’s ID, etc.
Additional Requirements Based on Claimant Type
For Spouse:
- Marriage Certificate (PSA or LCR)
For Children:
- Birth Certificate (PSA or LCR)
- If illegitimate and not acknowledged: Proof of filiation
For Parents (Secondary Beneficiaries):
- Birth Certificate of deceased member
- Death Certificates of spouse and children (if applicable)
- Affidavit of dependency
For Designated Beneficiaries/Legal Heirs:
- Birth Certificate of deceased member
- Death Certificates of spouse, children, and parents
- Joint Affidavit from relatives
- Birth Certificates of at least 2 legal heirs
How to File SSS Death Benefit Claim
Option 1: Online Filing (via My.SSS Portal)
Online filing is available for qualified dependent legal spouses who have an SS number and are registered in the My.SSS portal.
Steps:
- Log in to My.SSS Portal
- Go to Benefits tab
- Select Death Claim
- Enter the deceased member’s information
- Upload required documents
- Submit application
- Check email for confirmation
Option 2: Over-the-Counter Filing (At Any SSS Branch)
Steps:
- Gather all required documents
- Visit any SSS branch
- Get a queue number for Claims
- Submit the Death Claim Application Form and documents
- Receive acknowledgment receipt
- Wait for SSS notification
Processing Time and Benefit Release
| Process | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Document evaluation | 5-10 working days |
| Benefit approval | 10-20 working days |
| Release of payment | Within 5 working days after approval |
Note: Processing times may vary depending on completeness of documents and branch workload.
How Benefits are Released
- UMID card enrolled as ATM – Automatically credited
- PESONet participating banks – Direct bank transfer
- E-wallets – GCash, Maya
- Remittance channels – MLhuillier, etc.
- Check – For claimants in areas without banking facilities or those confined in institutions
Important Reminders
- File within 10 years from the date of death to avoid prescription issues
- Keep documents updated – Make sure your records with SSS are current
- Update beneficiaries – Members should regularly update their designated beneficiaries using the Member Data Change Request form
- Monthly pension continues for life – Primary beneficiaries receive the pension for as long as they live (spouse until remarriage, children until 21 or permanently incapacitated)
- Deductions may apply – Unpaid loans of the deceased member will be deducted from the benefit
Pension Increases (2025-2027)
Good news for death/survivor pensioners! SSS announced a three-year pension reform program starting September 2025. Death/survivor pensioners will see approximately 16% increase in their pensions over the three-year period (2025-2027).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I claim SSS death benefit if my spouse and I were separated?
Yes, but you must submit additional documents including a Joint Affidavit from two persons attesting to the separation circumstances and your dependency on the deceased member. The surviving spouse must not be the one who gave ground for the separation.
2. How long does it take to receive the SSS death benefit?
Processing typically takes 15-30 working days from complete submission of requirements. Once approved, the benefit is released within 5 working days to your enrolled disbursement account.
3. Can illegitimate children claim SSS death benefit?
Yes, illegitimate children can claim as primary beneficiaries if they are acknowledged by the deceased member. If not acknowledged in the birth certificate, they must submit proof of filiation such as the member’s records, authenticated writings, or joint affidavit from relatives.
4. Is SSS death benefit taxable?
No, SSS death benefits are non-taxable and exempt from estate tax. They are also non-attachable, meaning they cannot be used to pay the deceased member’s debts (except for SSS loans).
5. Can I claim both death benefit and funeral benefit?
Yes, these are separate benefits. The funeral benefit (P12,000 to P60,000) goes to whoever paid for the burial expenses, while the death benefit (monthly pension or lump sum) goes to the qualified beneficiaries. Both can be claimed simultaneously.
Sources
- SSS Death Benefit Official Page
- SSS Citizen’s Charter 2025
- Republic Act No. 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018)
Last Updated: December 2025
This guide is for informational purposes only. For specific concerns about your claim, please contact SSS directly at their hotline 1455 or email usssaptayo@sss.gov.ph.