The Social Security System said Dec. 9 that it has successfully credited its annual cash gift, or 13th month pension, in two batches last week, ensuring additional financial support during the holiday season.
The first batch, released Dec. 1, covered around 2.13 million pensioners with a total amount of P10.5 billion credited to their accounts. The second batch, credited on Dec. 4, covered around 1.53 million pensioners, amounting to P8.3 billion.
In total, P18.8 billion was distributed to around 3.66 million pensioners, SSS president and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro said, adding the annual cash gift is part of its commitment to support its pensioners during the holiday season.
“This is our way of giving back to our pensioners, who have contributed during their productive years. We hope this additional benefit brings joy and relief to them and their families this Christmas,” de Claro said in a statement.
This year’s 13th month pension is higher for pensioners, as of Aug. 31, following the implementation of the Pension Reform Program starting last September. Under the reform program, retirement and disability pensioners received a 10 percent increase, while survivorship pensioners received a five-percent hike, ensuring greater financial security for beneficiaries.
The 13th month pension is automatically credited to the accounts of all SSS pensioners receiving retirement, disability, and survivorship pensions. Pensioners are also reminded to ensure that their bank account details are updated to avoid delays in crediting.
SSS assured the public of its continuous commitment to prudent stewardship of members’ funds. It said that, for 2024, the Commission on Audit issued an unmodified opinion, affirming the System’s fund integrity, overall financial soundness and adherence to good financial governance, even as specific audit observations are being addressed through established corrective measures. ||
