Disability

• PERMANENT PARTIAL 

It is the complete and permanent loss or use of anybody part/s and does not totally prevent a member from engaging in a gainful occupation even if his condition is in an incurable state

• PERMANENT TOTAL 

It is a condition wherein an irreversible state is reached and the member who is suffering therefrom is completely and permanently prevented from engaging in any gainful occupation.

• Has paid at least one (1) month contribution before the semester of disability

• To qualify for a monthly disability pension, he/she must have paid at least 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of disability

• If less than 36 monthly contributions, he/she is granted a lump sum amount

• Monthly pension – a cash benefit paid to a disabled member who has paid at least 36 monthly contributions to the SSS prior to the semester of disability

•  Lump-sum amount – granted to those who have not met the required 36 monthly contributions. If the approved disability period is payable for less than twelve (12) months, it is also given in lump sum.

How much is the monthly pension?

The amount of monthly pension will be based on the member’s number of paid contributions and the years of membership prior to the semester of contingency. The minimum monthly pension is P1,000 for members with less than ten (10) credited years of service (CYS);  P1,200 with at least ten (10) CYS and P2,400 with at least twenty (20) CYS.

Is the monthly pension for life?

The member who suffers from permanent total disability shall receive monthly pension for life. However, the pension shall be suspended if the member recovers from the permanent total disability, or resumes employment, or fails to report for the annual physical examination upon notice by SSS. If the pensioner is unable to report for medical examination due to the disability, then domiciliary service by an SSS physician may be requested at any branch office.

The member who suffers from permanent partial disability shall receive a monthly pension based on the equivalent number of months of the degree of disability. If the member’s condition due to same illness/injury deteriorates, resulting in progression of his/her disabling manifestations, he/she is entitled to claim additional disability benefit. This is calculated based on the remaining percentage of disability after deducting from the percentage of disability in the current claim, the percentage of disability granted in the previous claim.

How is the monthly pension paid?

The monthly pension is paid thru the bank account that the member chose under the “SSS Pensioner’s Remittance thru Bank” Program. This became mandatory effective September 1, 1993.

A member must open a single savings account (or use an existing one, if any) and submit to SSS a photocopy of any of the following: a) the savings account passbook; b) the ATM card bearing the member’s name and account number; c) a validated initial deposit slip; or d) Visa Cash Card Enrollment Form, upon filing of benefit application. The original passbook/ATM card must be presented for authentication purposes.

Aside from disability benefit, what else can a disability pensioner receive?

In addition to the monthly pension, a supplemental allowance of P500 is paid to the total or partial disability pensioner to provide additional financial assistance to meet the extra needs arising from his disability.

A total disability pensioner is also entitled to a 13th month pension payable every December. For a partial disability pensioner, 13th month pension shall be paid provided that the pension duration is at least twelve (12) months.

Total disability pensioners and their legal dependents prior to the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 are entitled to the hospitalization benefits under PhilHealth. A copy of Death- Disability-Retirement (DDR) print-out indicating the type of claim is disability in nature and the effectivity date of pension or a Copy of Disability Pensioner Certification, must be submitted.

Total disability pensioners upon the effectivity of RA 7875 on March 4, 1995 and thereafter, are no longer covered except when they have accumulated 120 Medicare monthly contributions and have reached age 60. They need to register with PhilHealth for the issuance of their PhilHealth  ID card for Non-Paying Members. Those who wish to avail  of PhilHealth benefits may enroll in the Individually-Paying Program (for SE/VM) or the Sponsored Program of PhilHealth.

Are the children of a disabled member entitled to the dependent’s pension?

The dependent legitimate, legitimated, legally adopted and illegitimate children, conceived on or before the date of contingency of a total disability pensioner will each receive a dependent’s pension equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the member’s monthly pension, or P250, whichever is higher.

Only five (5) minor children, beginning from the youngest, are entitled to the dependent’s pension. No substitution is allowed. Where there are legitimate and illegitimate minor children, the legitimate, legitimated or legally adopted ones will be preferred.

Dependents of a partially disabled pensioner are not entitled to the dependent’s pension.