A permanent illness or injury can completely change a person’s life. When someone loses the ability to work, even basic needs can become a burden. Many Filipino families face this hardship without any stable income. This is where help from the government becomes very important.
To support people with disabilities, the Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines offers financial help through its Disability Benefit Program. It gives cash aid to SSS members who have become partly or totally disabled. The aid may come as monthly payments or a one-time lump sum, depending on the person’s contribution history.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the SSS Disability Benefit in 2025. From who can apply, how much they can get, and how to claim the money — we’ve covered it all in simple terms. If you or someone you know has become disabled, this guide can help you take the right steps to get the financial assistance you deserve.
What Is the SSS Disability Benefit?
The SSS Disability Benefit is a financial help given to members who suffer from long-term or permanent disabilities. It is different from sickness benefits, which are only for temporary illnesses or injuries.
SSS gives this support in two forms:
- Monthly Pension: For those who have paid at least 36 monthly contributions.
- Lump Sum: For those with less than 36 contributions.
Types of Disability Benefits from SSS
1. Monthly Disability Pension
- Given to members with 36 or more monthly contributions.
- Paid every month for as long as the disability exists.
2. One-Time Lump Sum Payment
- Given to members with less than 36 monthly contributions.
- A one-time cash benefit depending on the degree of disability and total contributions.
Who Can Apply for Disability Support?
To get this benefit, a person must:
- Be an SSS member before becoming disabled.
- Have made at least one contribution before the disability.
- Have a doctor-certified partial or total disability.
Partial Disabilities Include:
- Loss of one finger, foot, hand, or leg
- Blindness in one eye
- Deafness in one or both ears
Total Disabilities Include:
- Complete blindness in both eyes
- Loss of both hands, feet, or arms
- Full-body paralysis
- Severe mental disability from brain damage
How Much Can You Get Each Month?
The monthly pension depends on how long you contributed to SSS (called Credited Years of Service or CYS):
Extra Support for Pensioners:
- PHP 500 monthly allowance
- PHP 1,150 extra monthly benefit (Executive Order 54)
- 13th Month Pension every December
- PhilHealth coverage (depending on contributions)
How the Lump Sum Amount Is Calculated
For Total Disability:
- Highest of:
- Monthly Pension × Number of contributions
- Monthly Pension × 12
For Partial Disability:
- Monthly Pension × Contributions × Disability Percentage
- OR Monthly Pension × 12 × Disability Percentage
Whichever gives the higher amount will be chosen.
Steps to Apply for SSS Disability Benefit
Documents You Need:
- Filled-out Disability Claim Form
- Medical Certificate signed by an SSS-approved doctor
- Valid ID (one primary or two secondary)
- Hospital/medical records (X-ray, lab results, discharge papers, etc.)
- Bank details (ATM copy or passbook)
Application Process:
- Go to the nearest SSS office and submit your documents.
- Take a medical exam by an SSS-accredited doctor.
- Wait for approval (usually 1–2 months).
- Get the result and start receiving payments (if approved).
How the Benefit Will Be Paid
The money will be sent directly to your bank account. Make sure your bank is one of the SSS partner banks like:
- LANDBANK
- PNB
- China Bank
- RCBC
- Security Bank
- Union Bank
If you don’t have a bank account, open one with the help of an SSS Letter of Introduction (LOI).
Reminders for SSS Disability Pensioners
- You must go for a yearly physical exam to continue receiving the pension.
- Your pension stops if you recover, start working again, or don’t follow SSS rules.
- If a pensioner dies, qualified dependents can receive a survivor’s pension.
Contact Details for Help
For any questions or assistance, reach out to the SSS Member Relations Office:
- Phone: 920-6446 to 55 or 917-7777
- Email: member_relations@sss.gov.ph
Understanding your rights and the correct process ensures you receive the help you need. The SSS Disability Benefit is a lifeline for many—make sure you or your loved ones don’t miss out on it.