SSS pensioners to get Christmas bonus this week

Pensioners of the Social Security System will be receiving their pensions and 13th month pay this week according to the Social Security System.

At least 1.2 million pensioners of the SSS will receive their pensions for December and 13th month pay, the combined sum of which is P7.5 billion for the month.

SSS president and chief executive Corazon dela Paz-Bernardo said 98 percent of pensioners will get their December pension through their bank accounts, and the rest will receive checks by mail.

About P4.05 billion in pensions to be released this month will go to retirement claimants and P3.19 billion to death claim pensioners.  The rest are for those with partial or total disability.

The state-run pension fund has over 100 partner banks nationwide handling the monthly pensions of SSS members under its “Mag-Impok sa Bangko” program.

Pensions range from a minimum of P1,200 to a maximum of P25,732, using the number and amount of contributions to determine a member’s pension.

Dela Paz-Bernardo said the 13th month pensions on top of the regular pension were introduced to make the pensioners’ holiday celebration more meaningful.

“Our pensioners are also burdened with additional expenses that come with the holiday season,” she said, “we want them to have less financial worries and enjoy Christmas more despite having limited or no income due to retirement, death or disability.” — Jasmin R. Uy/BRP