SSS releases P18.8B 13th month pension to members

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) has released a total of P18.8 billion in 13th month pensions to around 3.66 million pensioners during the first week of December 2025, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the guidance of Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go through the Social Security Commission.

SSS credited the benefit in two batches: the first on 1 December 2025, covering approximately 2.13 million pensioners with P10.5 billion, and the second on 4 December 2025, benefiting 1.53 million pensioners with P8.3 billion.

SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the annual cash gift underscores the agency’s support for pensioners during the holiday season.

“This is our way of giving back to our pensioners who have contributed to the System during their productive years. We hope this additional benefit brings joy and relief to them and their families this Christmas,” he said.

This year’s 13th month payout is higher for pensioners as of 31 August 2025 following the implementation of the Pension Reform Program in September.

Under the reform, retirement and disability pensioners received a 10% increase, while survivorship pensioners gained a 5% increase.

The 13th month pension is automatically credited to the accounts of all retirement, disability, and survivorship pensioners.

SSS reminded beneficiaries to keep their bank details updated to avoid crediting delays.

SSS also assured the public of prudent management of members’ funds, citing the Commission on Audit’s unmodified opinion for 2024, which affirmed the System’s sound financial stewardship, despite ongoing corrective measures for specific audit observations.