New Rules and Increased Benefits for SSS Burial Claim

News: The Social Security System (SSS) has recently introduced updated regulations and enhanced benefits for the SSS Burial Claim program. These revisions are designed to offer increased financial assistance to eligible claimants who have borne funeral expenses for a qualified SSS member.

Increased Benefits

According to the revised guidelines, eligible claimants can now obtain a minimum of P20,000 and a maximum of P60,000 for funeral expenses. This represents a substantial increase compared to the previous maximum amount of P40,000.

Claiming the SSS Burial Benefit

To access the SSS Burial Benefit, applicants are required to submit their claims online through their My.SSS account. Non-members who satisfy the eligibility criteria can also submit their claims at any SSS branch.

Eligibility and Coverage

The updated rules are applicable to legal spouses, children, parents, and individuals who have covered the funeral expenses of a qualified SSS member. This coverage extends to permanent total disability pensioners and retirement pensioners as well.

Steps to Claim the SSS Burial Benefit:

1. Collect the necessary documents, including the SSS member’s death certificate, valid identification (ID) cards of the claimant, funeral contract and official receipt, and SSS ID or E-6 acknowledgment stub.
   Head to the nearest SSS branch to present the required documents.
   Complete the Funeral Claim Application Form, Affidavit of Undertaking, and Death Benefit Claim Application Form.
   Submit the filled-out forms and documents and await processing. Keep track of your claim status online or visit the SSS branch for updates.
   Upon approval of your claim, retrieve the benefit at the designated SSS branch. Ensure you bring valid IDs and any other essential documents.
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Beneficiaries and Expenses Covered

The primary beneficiaries of an SSS member include their lawful dependent spouse until remarriage, dependent legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted children, and illegitimate children under the age of 21 years old.

The SSS Burial Claim program offers financial assistance to eligible members, beneficiaries, and other claimants seeking reimbursement for funeral expenses. The benefit amount varies from P20,000 to P60,000 for deceased members who have contributed for at least 36 months. Members with contributions of one month or less than 36 months are entitled to a payout of P12,000.

Survivors, such as the legal spouse, children, parents, and other family members of the deceased member, can also claim the benefit. Furthermore, individuals who have paid for the funeral and possess proper documentation may be eligible if the deceased member had no spouse. The benefit covers retired pensioners, permanent complete disability pensioners, and those who covered the burial costs.

Considered an expense reimbursement, the benefit requires proof of payment. Eligible expenses encompass embalming, burial transfers and permits, funeral services, cremation or interment fees, coffin costs, cemetery or columbarium fees, and memorial insurance plan installments.

Processing Time

The duration for processing Funeral Benefit claims has been shortened from 30 days to 10 working days, commencing upon the receipt of all required documentation.

Checking Claim Status

To ascertain the status of your SSS claim or appeal, you can log in to your my Social Security account. This web-based platform enables you to access information such as your filing date, current claim location, scheduled hearing date and time, incomplete applications, and the whereabouts of the servicing office. It provides a convenient means to stay informed about the progress of your claim.

The SSS Burial Claim program has undergone substantial revisions to enhance benefits for eligible beneficiaries. The updated regulations now permit a minimum of P20,000 and a maximum of P60,000 in funeral assistance. By adhering to the prescribed procedures and submitting the requisite documentation, qualified claimants can expediently access this increased financial support. The objective is to alleviate the financial strain associated with funeral expenses and offer substantial aid during challenging circumstances.

FAQs

1. What is the upper limit for funeral expenses that claimants are eligible to receive according to the revised guidelines?

Claimants can receive a maximum of P60,000 for funeral expenses under the updated guidelines.

2. Who is eligible to avail the SSS Burial Benefit?

The SSS Burial Benefit can be availed by the legal spouse, children, parents, or any individual who has covered the funeral expenses of a qualified SSS member.

3. Which documents are necessary for claiming the SSS Burial Benefit?

To claim the SSS Burial Benefit, required documents include the SSS member’s death certificate, valid identification (ID) cards of the claimant, funeral contract and official receipt, as well as the SSS ID or E-6 acknowledgment stub.