GSIS suspends ‘proof of life’ rule
The state-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has temporarily deferred its “proof of life” scheme among pensioners even as it will continue to disburse pension to retirees amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In view of the prevailing emergency health situation in the entire country, the GSIS has decided to suspend the annual pensioners’ information revalidation (Apir) requirement until Dec. 31, 2020. This will ensure the safety and health of our pensioners who are most susceptible to the virus,” GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Macasaet said in an advisory.
Apir required the personal appearance of pensioners in GSIS branches and offices during their birth month so they can continue to receive pension benefits, however, the pension fund had closed down its offices as some employees fell sick with the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Pensioners abroad can revalidate their active status online.
Online option
If pensioners fail to present proof of life, their benefits will be suspended.
But due to the movement restrictions during quarantine, especially among the elderly, the GSIS eased the Apir requirement and will remit pension to all of its pensioners in the meantime.
“The GSIS will accrue and e-credit the unreceived pension of pensioners who were scheduled to report to the GSIS via Apir from March to July 2020 but were not able to do so,” Macasaet said.
“In the meantime, to prepare pensioners for the full implementation of online Apir next year, we are encouraging all pensioners to try to use online Apir before the Dec. 31, 2020 deadline. Online Apir provides pensioners the option to report to the GSIS using any one of the following videoconferencing methods: Facebook Messenger, Viber, Zoom or Skype,” Macasaet added.
“With the institutionalization of online Apir next year, the GSIS will take the initiative of getting in touch with pensioners on their birth month for their annual reporting requirement,” according to Macasaet.
Apir had been put in place as the GSIS previously disbursed money even as intended beneficiaries already passed away so other unqualified relatives took advantage of the benefit.
