A sudden accident or illness can make life very hard, especially when it causes a lasting disability. People who lose the ability to work often face stress because of lost income. Everyday bills, medicine, and basic needs become harder to afford without financial help.
In the Philippines, the Social Security System (SSS) gives support to members with permanent disabilities. Through the SSS Disability Pension, members can receive money every month or as a one-time payment. This helps them manage daily expenses and focus on their health.
If you or someone close to you is dealing with a disability, it’s important to know what support is available. This guide explains who can get the benefit, how much money is given, and how to apply. Everything is written in simple terms to make the process easier to understand.
What is the SSS Disability Benefit?
The SSS Disability Benefit is cash support given to members who become permanently disabled. This means they cannot work as they did before because of their condition. The benefit is meant to replace lost income and help them live better.
There are two types of disability: partial and total. Partial means the person lost a body part or function but can still work a little. Total disability means the person cannot work at all.
Two Types of Disability Support
1. Monthly Payment for Long-Term Support
Members who have paid SSS contributions for 36 months or more before becoming disabled can get a monthly pension. This money is given every month for as long as the person stays disabled.
2. One-Time Payment (Lump Sum)
If the person contributed to SSS for less than 36 months, they will get a one-time payment instead of monthly support. The amount depends on how many contributions were made and how serious the disability is.
Who Can Get This Benefit?
To receive the disability benefit, the member must meet certain conditions:
- Must be an SSS member before becoming disabled
- Must have made at least one SSS payment before the disability
- Must have a medical certificate showing they are partially or totally disabled
Common Partial Disabilities
- Losing a finger, hand, foot, or leg
- Loss of hearing in one or both ears
- Loss of sight in one eye
Common Total Disabilities
- Complete blindness in both eyes
- Losing two or more arms or legs
- Paralysis of two or more limbs
- Permanent brain damage that affects thinking or movement
Extra Support for Monthly Pensioners
People who receive a monthly disability pension also get:
- PHP 500 monthly as extra allowance
- PHP 1,150 as an additional monthly benefit (started in 2017)
- A 13th-month pension every December
- PhilHealth medical benefits (if qualified)
How Lump Sum Is Calculated
For totally disabled members, the lump sum is based on the higher of these:
- Monthly pension × Total contributions
- Monthly pension × 12 months
For partially disabled members, the amount is based on the disability level:
- Monthly pension × Total contributions × % of disability
- Monthly pension × 12 × % of disability
Step-by-Step Application Process
Documents You Need
- Filled-out SSS Disability Claim Form
- SSS Medical Certificate (signed by an SSS-approved doctor)
- Valid ID (1 primary or 2 secondary IDs)
- Medical documents (lab results, X-rays, hospital records)
- Bank details (ATM card copy, passbook, or deposit slip)
How to Apply
- Go to the nearest SSS branch
- Submit all required documents
- Attend a medical exam with an SSS-accredited doctor
- Wait for processing (1–2 months)
- Get a notice of approval and benefit details
Getting the Money
SSS deposits the monthly pension or lump sum into your bank account. Approved banks include:
- LANDBANK
- PNB
- China Bank
- RCBC
- Security Bank
- Union Bank
If you don’t have an account, SSS will give you a Letter of Introduction (LOI) to open one.
Reminders for Pensioners
- A yearly medical check-up is required to keep receiving the benefit
- The pension stops if the person recovers, works again, or misses SSS rules
- If the pensioner dies, their legal dependents may receive a survivorship benefit
Need Help?
You can reach out to SSS for help:
Phone: 920-6446 to 55 or 917-7777
Email: member_relations@sss.gov.ph