The Social Security System (SSS) released over P32 billion in 13th month and December pensions to 3.6 million pensioners as of November 29.
Voltaire Agas, the officer in charge, stated that the state pension fund initiated the early crediting of the 13th month and December 2024 pensions as a pre-Christmas gift for SSS and Employees’ Compensation (EC) pensioners.
“We are also aware of the plight of our pensioners who were not spared by the recent tropical cyclones that lashed the country in less than a month. The early crediting of these pensions can help address some of their financial needs as they try to rebuild their lives after a series of calamities struck the country,” he said.
The first batch of the 13th month and December pensions was distributed on November 29, benefiting 2.09 million pensioners with a total amount of P17.9 billion. This distribution covered pensioners whose dates of contingency fell within the first to the 15th day of the month.
The second batch, which was released on December 4, benefitted 1.52 million pensioners and amounted to P14.3 billion, covering those with dates of contingency from the 16th up to the last day of the month.
Agas mentioned that SSS released P41.6 million worth of 13th month and December pensions to over 6,000 pensioners through non-PESONet participating banks and checks.
“Pensioners in non-PESONet participating banks received their pensions on December 4; meanwhile, we have asked the Philippine Postal Corporation to expedite the delivery of checks to our pensioners at their home addresses,” he cited.
Pensioners who availed themselves of the advance 18-month pensions for their initial benefit received their 13th month pensions on December 4.
Agas explained that retirement and survivor pensioners receive a 13th month pension equivalent to their regular monthly pensions, while total disability pensioners receive a 13th month pension equal to their monthly pensions without the medical allowance.
“Member’s children receiving dependent’s pensions are also entitled to the 13th month pension, and partial disability pensioners can receive it if they have a pension duration of at least 12 months,” he added.
