SSS Funeral Benefit Guide 2026: Up to P60,000 Grant & How to Claim
Learn how to claim SSS funeral benefit in 2026. Get up to P60,000 cash grant for burial expenses. Complete requirements and step-by-step guide.
When a loved one passes away, funeral expenses can add significant financial stress during an already difficult time. The Social Security System (SSS) provides a funeral benefit to help cover burial costs. This guide explains everything you need to know about claiming this benefit, including the updated amounts effective October 2023.
What is SSS Funeral Benefit?
The SSS Funeral Benefit is a one-time cash grant given to whoever paid for the funeral or burial expenses of a deceased SSS member, retiree, or permanent total disability (PTD) pensioner. Unlike the death benefit which goes to beneficiaries, the funeral benefit goes specifically to the person who shouldered the burial costs.
This is a separate benefit from the SSS Death Benefit—you can claim both if you’re eligible.
How Much is the SSS Funeral Benefit?
As of October 20, 2023, SSS increased the maximum funeral benefit to P60,000. The amount you receive depends on the deceased member’s contribution history and Average Monthly Salary Credit (AMSC).
Funeral Benefit Amount Table 2026
| Contributions | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 36 or more contributions | Variable: P20,000 to P60,000 (based on AMSC and number of contributions) |
| 1 to 35 contributions | Fixed: P12,000 |
How the Variable Amount is Determined
For members with 36+ contributions, the funeral benefit amount is computed based on:
- Number of monthly contributions paid
- Average Monthly Salary Credit (AMSC)
Higher contributions + Higher AMSC = Higher funeral benefit
The exact computation follows SSS guidelines, but generally:
- Minimum amount: P20,000
- Maximum amount: P60,000
Who Can Claim SSS Funeral Benefit?
The funeral benefit is granted to whoever paid for the burial expenses of the deceased member or pensioner. This includes:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Relatives
- Friends
- Funeral home (through the SSS Funeral Partner Program)
- Any person who shouldered the funeral expenses
Important: You must have proof that you paid for the funeral expenses, such as official receipts from the funeral home.
Priority of Claimants
If multiple people claim the funeral benefit, SSS follows this priority:
- Surviving legal spouse – Can file without receipt if they submit a marriage certificate and online certification
- Children, parents, or legal heirs – Must submit official receipt or certification of availment from memorial/insurance plan
- Other claimants – Must submit official receipt plus additional documents (waiver from spouse, affidavit, etc.)
Eligibility Requirements
To claim the SSS funeral benefit, the deceased must have been:
- An SSS member with at least 1 monthly contribution
- A retirement pensioner
- A permanent total disability (PTD) pensioner
Note: If the deceased member had no contributions but was reported as covered by SSS, the beneficiaries are only entitled to the funeral benefit (not the death benefit).
Requirements for SSS Funeral Benefit Claim
Basic Documentary Requirements
-
Proof of SSS Membership (any one of the following):
- SSS ID / UMID card of deceased member
- SSS records (E-1, RS-1, NW-1, OW-1, E-4)
- Employment records with SS number
- Letter/Certification from SSS with SS number
-
Death Certificate – From LCR or PSA (original or certified true copy)
-
Proof of Payment for Funeral Expenses (any one):
- Official Receipt from funeral home (with BIR registration)
- Certified true copy of OR
- Certification from funeral parlor
Requirements by Claimant Type
If Surviving Legal Spouse:
- Marriage Certificate (PSA or LCR)
- Online certification that you paid for funeral expenses (in lieu of OR)
If Child, Parent, or Legal Heir:
- Birth Certificate showing relationship
- Any of the following in lieu of OR:
- Certification of availment of memorial/funeral insurance plan (if plan was in deceased’s name)
- Certification from memorial plan + proof of payment (if plan is in claimant’s name)
If Other Claimant (not spouse or immediate family):
- Official Receipt, PLUS any one of:
- Notarized waiver from surviving spouse
- Notarized affidavit (with 2 witnesses) that spouse didn’t pay or can’t be located
- Death certificate of spouse (if deceased)
- CENOMAR of deceased member (if single)
Additional Documents in Special Cases
If Death Certificate is unavailable:
- Certification of non-availability from LCR and PSA
- Plus any one of:
- Parish/Church certification of death
- Cemetery administrator certification of burial
- Certification of cremation
If member died abroad:
- Death Certificate from host country’s vital statistics office
- Or Report of Death from Philippine Embassy/Consulate
How to Claim SSS Funeral Benefit
Option 1: Online Filing (For SSS Member-Claimants)
Online filing is available if you are an SSS member with a registered My.SSS account.
Prerequisites:
- Active SS Number
- Registered My.SSS account
- Approved disbursement account in DAEM (Disbursement Account Enrollment Module)
Note: Having a UMID card is no longer required for online filing.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Log in to My.SSS Portal
- Click “Funeral Claim” under the Benefits tab
- Enter deceased member’s information:
- SS Number or CRN
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- Amount of funeral expenses
- Provide additional details:
- Civil status of deceased
- Your relationship to deceased
- Select your disbursement account
- Upload documents:
- Proof of SSS membership
- Death certificate
- Proof of funeral expenses (if applicable)
- File format: Images or PDF, max 2MB per file
- Read and accept the certification
- Submit your application
- Check your email for confirmation
Option 2: Over-the-Counter Filing (At SSS Branch)
Non-SSS members or those without My.SSS account must file in person.
Steps:
- Prepare all required documents
- Visit any SSS branch
- Get a queue number for Claims section
- Submit your Funeral Claim Application Form and documents
- Receive your acknowledgment receipt
- Wait for SSS notification
Processing Time and Release
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | 5 working days from complete submission |
| Funeral Partner Program | 1 working day |
| Benefit release | Within 5 working days after approval |
How Benefits are Released
The funeral benefit is credited to your:
- UMID card enrolled as ATM (automatic)
- Bank account via PESONet
- E-wallet (GCash, Maya)
- Remittance channels (MLhuillier, etc.)
- Check (for areas without banking facilities)
SSS Funeral Partner Program
SSS has partnered with accredited funeral homes under the Funeral Partner Program. Benefits include:
- Faster processing – 1 working day instead of 5
- No out-of-pocket payment – Funeral home files claim directly
- Direct reimbursement – SSS pays the funeral home
To avail, choose an SSS-accredited funeral parlor and inform them you want to use your SSS funeral benefit.
Tips for Faster Processing
- File online if possible – Faster than over-the-counter
- Ensure documents are complete – Incomplete submissions cause delays
- Get PSA death certificate early – LCR copies also accepted
- Keep official receipts – Make sure they have BIR registration
- Enroll disbursement account – Set up your DAEM before filing
- Use accredited funeral homes – For 1-day processing
Can You Claim Both Funeral and Death Benefits?
Yes! The funeral benefit and death benefit are separate:
| Benefit | Who Receives | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Benefit | Whoever paid for burial | P12,000 to P60,000 |
| Death Benefit | Qualified beneficiaries | Monthly pension or lump sum |
You can file both claims simultaneously or separately. They go through different processes and can be received by different people.
Employees’ Compensation (EC) Funeral Benefit
If the death was work-related, you may also claim an additional EC Funeral Benefit of P10,000 on top of the regular SSS funeral benefit.
Requirements:
- Death must be work-connected
- File EC claim within 30 days of death
- Submit employer’s Report of Death (BPN-105)
Maximum combined benefit: P60,000 (SSS) + P10,000 (EC) = P70,000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a deadline to file for SSS funeral benefit?
There is no strict prescriptive period, but SSS recommends filing as soon as possible to avoid complications with document availability. Claims filed within 10 years are generally accepted without issue.
2. Can a funeral home claim the SSS funeral benefit directly?
Yes, through the SSS Funeral Partner Program. Accredited funeral homes can file the claim on behalf of the family and receive the benefit directly, saving families from out-of-pocket expenses.
3. What if I lost the official receipt from the funeral home?
You can submit a certified true copy of the receipt or a certification from the funeral parlor indicating the payment details. If neither is available and you’re the surviving spouse, you can submit a marriage certificate with an online certification instead.
4. How do I know how much funeral benefit I’ll receive?
Log in to your My.SSS account and check the deceased member’s contribution record under ‘Inquiry’ → ‘Actual Premiums.’ The benefit amount depends on total contributions and AMSC. For 36+ contributions, expect P20,000 to P60,000. For less than 36 contributions, the fixed amount is P12,000.
5. Can an OFW’s family in the Philippines claim the funeral benefit if the OFW died abroad?
Yes. The family must submit the death certificate from the host country (or Report of Death from Philippine Embassy) along with the other requirements. If documents are in a foreign language, official English translation is required.
Sources
- SSS Funeral Benefit Official Page
- SSS Citizen’s Charter 2025
- SSS Circular No. 2023-009 (Enhanced Funeral Benefit Guidelines)
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.