Requirements for SSS Pension for Voluntary Members

SSS has certain conditions when it comes to offering pensions to voluntary members. Each individual applying for SSS must fulfill these conditions to qualify for all benefits and perks.

To qualify for the SSS pension as a voluntary member, you must meet the following requirements:

Age Requirement

The member must be at least 60 years old. There is also an optional retirement age, you can opt for early retirement at 60, provided you are no longer employed or self-employed.

Contribution Requirement

• You need to have made at least 120 monthly contributions before your retirement. This is equivalent to 10 years of contributions.

Employment Status

• For early retirement (age 60 to 64), you must either be separated from employment or have ceased self-employment.
• At age 65, you are eligible for the retirement benefit regardless of employment status.

What are the Documents Required for SSS Pension Application?

After satisfying the qualification criteria, it is time to gather the necessary documents. To prepare for filing requirement benefits, gather the following SSS retirement claim requirements:

• Retirement Claim Application Form (RCA) (this form can be downloaded from the SSS website or obtained from any SSS branch) or Application for DDR Benefit Form.
• UMID Card, SSS ID, or SS Form E-6 Acknowledgement Stub with two valid IDs.
• Recent 1X1 ID photos.
• Bank account details including original and photocopy of passbook/ATM card with name, or copy of bank validated deposit slip, etc.
• If a representative is filing a retirement claim on behalf of a retiree-member, prepare these additional requirements:
  • Primary ID of the authorized representative (SSS ID, UMID, PRC, card, Seaman’s Book, or Alien Certificate of Registration) or two secondary IDs.
  • Letter of Authority (LOA) signed by the SSS member or a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) that grants authority to file and sign on the member’s behalf.

In addition, the SSS requires additional supporting documents for special cases, including members aged 60 to 64, SSS employees, underground mine workers, and others. Retirement benefit claims can be submitted at any SSS branch or representative office.

Application Process

After collecting all the necessary documents, you can apply for a retirement claim. You can apply for SSS through their online portal which makes the application process more convenient. The step-by-step instructions are mentioned below:

• Take out your device open any safe web browser and search for the SSS official website. Or you can simply click on the link sss.gov.ph/.
• Next, search for the Member account and click on it.
• Select Submit Retirement Claim Application from the E-Services tab.
• Provide the date when the covered employee stopped working.
• Moreover, ensure your address, contact details, employment history, and other personal details are accurate. Then, verify if you meet the eligibility criteria for the retirement benefit.
• Respond to inquiries regarding dependent children and employment as a mineworker.
• Lastly, if you satisfy all the requirements, the funds will be deposited into your UMID-ATM or designated bank account registered in the Bank Enrollment Module.

How to Get Your SSS Pension?

When filing for an SSS retirement claim, members must open a single savings account and provide a photocopy of their passbook, ATM card, initial deposit slip, bank statement, or Visa Cash Card enrollment form. The SSS at the designated time will deposit the pension into the designated bank account, ideally at the branch nearest to the member’s residence. There are two ways to receive retirement benefits:

Lifetime Monthly Pension

The lifetime monthly pension starts when the retirement benefit application is submitted. However, if the member decides to return to work at age 60, the monthly pension payment will be suspended until they reach 65.

Lump-Sum Payment

Members can choose to receive the first 18 months of pension at a discounted rate determined by the SSS. Regular monthly pension payments will resume from the 19th month onward.

The lump sum is basically the total amount of contributions paid by the member and the employer, plus interest. Furthermore, some SSS members may not receive the entire monthly pension amount, as SSS deducts the following when applicable:

• Outstanding SSS loans.
• SSS sickness and partial disability benefits overlap.
• Overpayment of pension due to dependent’s death, employment, or marriage.

How do you Apply for Voluntary Contributions to SSS Online?

Applying for voluntary contributions to the SSS online is the most effective way for self-employed individuals, overseas Filipino workers, and former employees to continue their SSS contribution. Now, the question is: how do I register for voluntary contributions? Follow the following step-by-step instructions:

An employed individual with no prior SSS coverage or contributions cannot begin paying as a Voluntary Member solely to obtain an SS ID Card or SSS benefits. These contributions will be considered invalid and will be refunded. Additionally, remember that Voluntary Membership is only available to individuals who were previously employed, self-employed, or OFWs.

• A member who is no longer employed or has ceased being self-employed, an overseas Filipino, or a non-working spouse can continue paying SSS contributions using their previously assigned SS number.
• This can be done through the Contributions Payment Return (SS Form RS-5), where they should check the box for Voluntary (Separated) Member.
• Posting this payment will update the membership status from covered employees, self-employed, OFW, or non-working spouses to voluntary members.

Non-Working Spouses

• Fill out SSS Form NW-1 (Non-Working Spouse Record).
• Sign the form, and have your employee spouse also sign it.
• Submit the completed forms along with a copy of your marriage certificate.

How can we change employees to voluntary employees in SSS?

Self-employed individuals lose all the benefits and perks upon leaving a corporate job, highlighting the unpredictability of future situations. Preparations are crucial. The following are the benefits available to voluntary members:

• Disability benefit
• Maternity benefit
• Sickness benefit
• Death benefit
• Retirement benefit
• Salary loan
• Funeral benefit

Are you considering changing your SSS status from employed to voluntary or self-employed? The process is simple and can be carried out online from the comfort of your home. Here’s the step-by-step instructions for the changing process:

Step 1: Visit the SSS Website

The first step is to open a safe web browser on your device and search for the SSS official website. Or you can directly click on the link sss.gov.ph/. The website has a simple interface so you can effortlessly navigate through it.

Step 2: Log into Your Account

After opening the website, log into your SSS account using credentials. However, keep in mind this is most suitable for members who already have an existing SSS account and were previously employed but now wish to transition their SSS from employed to voluntary.

Step 3: Navigate to the PRN System

Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Payment Reference Number (PRN)’ section. This is typically found under the E-Service menu. After finding it, press the option.

Step 4: Generate a PRN

After opening the PRN section, press ‘Generate PRN’ to create a new Payment Reference Number (PRN) for your voluntary contribution. Before generating a PRN, let me tell you that you will be responsible for setting your monthly contribution amount. Furthermore, once set, you cannot lower it at any time, but you can choose to increase the amount whenever you wish.

Now, moving on, after clicking on ‘Generating PRN/SOA’, select ‘Voluntary’ as the membership type. Fill in the necessary details including the applicable period, the amount you wish to contribute, and your preferred payment schedule.

Step 5: Save the PRN

Carefully review all the details that you entered. Additionally, confirm the information and save or print the PRN.

Step 6: Pay Your Contribution

You can pay your voluntary contribution using the PRN at any of the accredited payment centers, including banks and online payment channels. Use the generated PRN as the reference when making the payments to ensure it is correctly applied to your account.

In addition, after making the payment, log into your SSS account, again to verify that the contribution has been accredited. This may take a few days to reflect in your account.

In conclusion, SSS has particular qualification criteria for voluntary members that each member must fulfill. Follow the instructions mentioned in the guide to learn more about the requirements for SSS pensions for voluntary members.