THE Social Security System (SSS) has advanced the implementation of pension reforms to help beneficiaries cope with the impact of rising living costs and higher energy prices.
A second tranche of adjustments under the Pension Reform Program (PRP) was rolled out on June 1 instead of September, allowing millions of pensioners to receive higher monthly benefits sooner.
“We are releasing the second tranche of pension increases ahead of schedule to support millions of pensioners and their families, helping them meet their daily needs and enjoy greater financial security sooner,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said on Tuesday.
SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro said the agency would be releasing approximately P6 billion from June to August 2026 as a result of the accelerated rollout.
“With the early implementation, we hope to provide timely relief to our pensioners and their families as they continue to face everyday financial challenges,” de Claro said.
The higher payouts are expected to benefit around 4.1 million pensioners across various categories, including retirees, persons with disabilities and survivor beneficiaries.
Retirement and disability pensioners will get a 10-percent increase, while death and survivor pensioners will get a 5-percent increase.
Pensioners as of May 31, 2026, qualify for the increase, the SSS said.
Members whose pension contingencies occur between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2026, will begin receiving the higher pensions starting Sept. 1.
The SSS said the accelerated rollout comes at a time when many Filipino households continue to grapple with elevated prices of basic goods and services as well as higher utility and energy costs.
“We recognize that rising prices and economic uncertainty continue to place pressure on Filipino families and businesses,” de Claro said.
“Through the PRP, SSS ensures that our pensioners have access to timely, affordable and reliable financial support when they need it most,” he added.
The SSS introduced its first-ever annual pension increase in 2025, under which retirement and disability pensions would rise by 10 percent and survivor pensions would increase by 5 percent yearly up to 2027.
The agency disbursed P304.94 billion in pensions and benefits to 5.66 million members nationwide last year.
