Guide: Advance Pension for Cyclone-Affected Pensioners

In the wake of devastating tropical cyclones Kristine, Marce, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito, the Social Security System (SSS) has introduced a three-month advance pension program to support affected pensioners. This initiative aims to provide immediate financial relief to those residing in calamity-stricken areas as declared by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Scope of the Program: The program is designed for existing SS retirees, disability and survivor pensioners, and EC disability and survivor pensioners whose residences are located in areas declared as calamity-stricken by the NDRRMC.

Availment Period: The availment period begins on the date of issuance of the Circular and remains effective for 30 calendar days unless extended or modified by subsequent circulars.

Eligibility:

1. SS and EC pensioners living in calamity-stricken areas declared by the NDRRMC can apply for the three-month advance pension.

2. SS and EC partial disability pensioners may apply for an advance pension for the remaining months of their partial disability pension or for the three-month period, whichever is lower.

3. Pensioners who have previously availed of advance pensions for other calamities and whose pensions are still suspended can still apply for the three-month advance pension for the specified tropical cyclones.

4. SS retiree pensioners with no existing pension loans under the Pension Loan Program are eligible to apply.

Documentary Requirements: Applicants must submit a properly accomplished Application for Assistance Due to Calamity/Disaster certified by the Barangay Chairman. If Part II of the form is not completed, a certification from the NDRRMC or the Department of Social Welfare and Development is required.

Filing of Application: A File Anywhere policy is implemented, allowing all branches to receive applications for the three-month advance pension.

Release of Benefit Through Check: Benefit checks will be sent to the SSS branch where the application was filed. Personal release of checks is allowed within ten working days from receipt, subject to the usual presentation of required documents. Otherwise, checks will be mailed to the pensioner's address.

Resumption of the Monthly Pension: The monthly pension will automatically resume after the three-month period.

Forms: The Application for Assistance Due to Calamity/Disaster form should be used for the three-month advance pension for SS and EC pensioners.

This program is a crucial support mechanism for pensioners affected by natural disasters, ensuring they receive timely financial assistance during challenging times.

Reference: CI-2024-005 Annex 2