THE Social Security System (SSS) has posted its strongest financial performance to date, with its reserve fund surpassing the P1 trillion mark.
The state-run pension fund for private, self-employed and informal sector workers recorded a net income of P142.97 billion last year, a 58.4-percent jump from 2024’s P90.25 billion.
Total assets climbed to P1.26 trillion, up 22.1 percent from P1.03 trillion and said to have been driven by stronger investment performance and improved fund management.
“This record performance and over P1 trillion reserve fund level send a clear message to SSS members: your pensions are secure, your benefits sustained,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said in a statement.
“We are building a social security system that is financially resilient and more responsive to the needs of every Filipino,” he added.
SSS President and CEO Jay de Claro attributed the 2025 gains to “sustained fiscal discipline, strengthened fund governance, and long-term reforms designed to safeguard members’ contributions and preserve the fund’s actuarial soundness.”
“Surpassing the P1 trillion mark in our reserve fund is a historic milestone and a strong affirmation of our duty to every Filipino worker and pensioner who relies on SSS,” he added.
“This performance reflects prudent stewardship of members’ contributions, strengthened governance, and our continuing commitment to deliver secure and sustainable benefits — today and for generations to come.”
The SSS disbursed P304.94 billion in pensions and benefits to 5.66 million members nationwide last year. Loan releases reached P61.11 billion, offering short-term financial support to workers and their families.
Borrowing costs were also reduced, with interest rates on key loan programs cut from 10 percent to eight percent. The Pension Loan Program was expanded to include survivor pensioners, extending coverage to about 1.2 million additional members.
De Claro said they would continue to provide accessible credit through programs such as calamity and emergency loans as well as an upcoming micro loan program aimed at providing affordable and quick support, especially during times of need.
The SSS introduced its first-ever annual pension increase in 2025, in which retirement and disability pensions are set to rise by 10 percent to 2027 and survivor pensions will increase by 5 percent each year over the same period.
The pension reform is expected to help support household consumption among pensioners and provide a modest boost to overall economic activity.