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Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.
AT A GLANCE:
The Social Security System (SSS) has announced that starting October 20, 2023, enhanced guidelines will be implemented for its Social Security (SS) Funeral Benefit Program. The new guidelines aim to incentivize active membership by raising the maximum amount of funeral benefits to PHP 60,000.00 and streamline the provision of funeral benefits to claimants, especially for surviving legal spouses.
Under the Social Security System (SSS) Circular No. 2023-09, claimants of the deceased members with thirty-six (36) or more monthly contributions may receive a variable amount from PHP 20,000.00 to PHP 60,000.00 in Social Security (SS) funeral benefits depending on the member’s number of paid contributions and average monthly salary credit (AMSC).
On the other hand, for the funeral benefit for members who paid at least one (1) but less than thirty-six (36) monthly contributions up to the month of death shall be a fixed amount of PHP 12,000.00.
The enhanced funeral benefit shall cover embalming services, burial transfer services and permits, funeral services (including church fees, or its equivalent in other religions), cremation or interment services, purchase or rent of coffin, purchase or rent of niche/cemetery/memorial lot/ columbarium, and memorial/funeral insurance plan. The funeral expenses as indicated in the proof of payment, shall be reimbursed, but not to exceed the computed funeral benefit due.
The surviving legal spouse of a member will be given priority over other claimants.
Further, applications for funeral benefit will have a prescriptive period of filing of ten (10) years from the month of death of the member or pensioner, subject to the terms and conditions as may be determined by the SSS.
Related Articles:
- The Supreme Court decides: Surviving Spouse is entitled to SSS Pension even if the marriage was contracted after the spouse’s disability. (Belinda D.R. Dolera v. Social Security System, G.R. No. 253940, October 24, 2023)
- Understanding SSS and its benefits
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Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices specializes in business law and labor law consulting. For inquiries regarding legal services, you may reach us at info@alburolaw.com, or dial us at (02)7745-4391/ 0917-5772207/ 09778050020.
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