SSS eases pensioners’ reportorial rule

A branch office of the SSS. (FILE PHOTO BY GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER)

MANILA, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) clarified on Friday that pensioners living in the country need not report to SSS offices as previously required, but other beneficiaries are still required to comply with the annual confirmation of pensioners’ program (Acop) before March 31.

In a statement on Friday night, Michael Regino, president and chief executive of SSS, said that since 2017, retirement pensioners here in the Philippines were exempted from complying with the Acop, which aims to ensure that their pensioners were still alive and enjoying their benefits. Instead, they may report to SSS branches on their birth month.

As for other types of SSS pensioners, Regino said they have until the end of this month to comply with Acop, or else their monthly pensions would be temporarily suspended beginning May.

Regino said retirement pensioners living abroad, total disability pensioners, survivor (death) pensioners, as well as dependent (minor or incapacitated) pensioners must still undergo Acop.

“It’s important for concerned pensioners to comply with this program so they can enjoy receiving their monthly pensions … Pensioners [can] send their Acop compliance through the SSS corporate email address of the nearest SSS branch or service office if they reside in the Philippines,” Regino said.

For total disability pensioners, Regino said they can request a home visit by SSS staff through a written request they can send via mail or email to the medical services section of the SSS branch nearest to them.

“[Required pensioners] also have the option to send their compliance through mail or courier service addressed to the branch head of the nearest SSS branch if they reside in the Philippines. If residing overseas, they can send it to the SSS OFW-contact services section located in the SSS main office in Quezon City, or the nearest foreign representative office,” he added.

RELATED STORIES

SSS warns members vs online scammers

SSS: Members on home quarantine due to COVID-19 can apply for sickness benefit