SSS launches annual audit of pensioners

The Social Security System (SSS) yesterday called on its pensioners to report in for medical check up and confirmation of their other entitlements from the institution.

SSS vice president Cecilia Canlas, head of the benefits program Division, said the new procedures were part of the annual audit of the institution’s more than one million pensioners.

"The annual audit is intended to ensure that our pensioners are receiving the right benefits at the right time," Canlas said. "But their failure to show up or report for the annual confirmation would result to temporary suspension of monthly pensions"

SSS has three types of pensioners who receive retirement, death or disability pensions. From 1991 to 2002, the number of pensioners increased at an average of 10 percent every year.

About 4,000 pensioners are 90 years old and above. Many pensioners die and their pensions are left unclaimed in the bank because relatives failed to inform the SSS of their death.

Canlas said starting this month SSS has been sending letters to pensioners to report to the nearest SSS office for annual confirmation of their entitlements and those who receive total disability pensions will undergo free medical check up.

She said pensioners should report to the SSS once they get their notice to avoid temporary suspension of their monthly pension.

"Pensioners with bank deposits left unclaimed in the last 12 months and those who are 90 years old and above will be required to report to SSS within three months after receiving the letter," Canlas said.

She said pensioners who are incapable of reporting to the SSS should submit a physical examination report issued by a government doctor and a request for a home visit by an SSS representative.

Canlas called on families to report to the SSS the conditions of pensioners who are unable to report for the annual audit and confirm their existence, adding: "The relatives should notify us of their condition if the pensioner is physically or mentally sick."