SSS begins early rollout of pension hike

THE SOCIAL Security System (SSS) has started the early rollout of the second tranche of its pension reform program as part of its efforts to provide pensioners with financial relief amid the energy crisis.

The agency is releasing approximately P6 billion in additional pension benefits from June to August 2026 to help pensioners cope with inflationary pressures and higher energy costs, Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission (SSC) Chair Frederick D. Go and SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said in a press release on Tuesday.

“We are releasing the second tranche of pension increases ahead of schedule to support millions of pensioners and their families, helping them meet their daily needs and enjoy greater financial security sooner,” Mr. Go said.

The increase was initially scheduled for September but was moved to June in view of the national state of energy emergency.

Under the second tranche of the pension reform program, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10% increase in their monthly pensions, while death and survivor pensioners will receive a 5% increase.

“With the early implementation, we hope to provide timely relief to our pensioners and their families as they continue to face every day financial challenges,” Mr. de Claro said.

SSS pensioners as of May 31 will be eligible to receive the pension hike beginning June 1.

Meanwhile, those whose contingencies falling between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2026, will receive their increased pension starting September 1, 2026.

Under the pension reform program, the pension for retirement and disability pensioners will be raised by 10% every September until 2027, while the pension for death or survivor pensioners will be increased by 5%. — Aaron Michael C. Sy