Yes. You may still be able to claim SSS funeral benefits even if the deceased member’s contributions are “not updated” in the online record, but the answer depends on why the record is not updated. If the member had at least one paid contribution, the funeral benefit may still be payable. If the missing contributions were deducted by an employer but not remitted, Philippine law protects the employee’s right to benefits. But if the deceased was self-employed, voluntary, or an OFW member with no paid contribution at all, SSS will usually have no basis to approve the funeral benefit until a valid contribution or membership record is established.

This article explains when an SSS funeral benefit claim can still be approved, what to do if contributions are missing or unposted, how much may be claimed, what documents are needed, and the practical issues families commonly face when filing after a death.

What “SSS Contributions Are Not Updated” Usually Means

When families say the deceased member’s SSS contributions are “not updated,” they usually mean one of these situations:

Situation	What it usually means	Effect on funeral benefit claim
Latest months are missing in My.SSS	Payment may be delayed in posting, paid under wrong details, or not yet remitted by employer	Claim may proceed if eligibility is otherwise shown, but processing may be delayed
Employer deducted SSS from salary but did not remit	Employer may be delinquent or non-compliant	Employee’s right to benefits should not be prejudiced by employer non-remittance under RA 11199
Member stopped paying years ago	There are old contributions but no recent payments	Funeral benefit may still be claimable if at least one contribution exists
Record shows zero contribution	No paid contribution appears under the SSS number	Claim is likely to be denied unless proof establishes membership/payment
Wrong SSS number or name discrepancy	Contributions may be posted under another record or cannot be matched	SSS may require correction, verification, or additional documents

The important point is this: SSS funeral benefit is not limited to members who were actively paying at the time of death. Under current SSS rules, the key contribution threshold is whether the deceased member or pensioner had paid at least one contribution, and whether the claim is properly supported by documents. The official SSS Funeral Benefit page states that the benefit helps defray funeral expenses upon the death of a member, permanent total disability pensioner, or retirement pensioner. (Social Security System)

Legal Basis: SSS Funeral Benefit Under Philippine Law

The main law is Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018. Section 13-B provides the statutory basis for the funeral benefit: a funeral grant is paid to help defray funeral expenses upon the death of a member, including a permanently totally disabled member or retiree.

SSS later issued SSS Circular No. 2023-009, the revised guidelines on the Social Security Funeral Benefit Program. Starting 20 October 2023, the funeral benefit amount is:

Contributions paid up to the month of death	Funeral benefit amount
At least 1 but less than 36 monthly contributions	Fixed ₱12,000
At least 36 monthly contributions	Variable amount from ₱20,000 to ₱60,000

The SSS Funeral Benefit page confirms the current ₱12,000 fixed amount for members with 1 to 35 contributions and the ₱20,000 to ₱60,000 variable amount for members or pensioners with at least 36 contributions. (Social Security System)

For members with at least 36 contributions, Circular No. 2023-009 uses this formula:

₱20,000 + (0.5% × number of paid contributions × AMSC), but not more than ₱60,000

AMSC means Average Monthly Salary Credit, which SSS computes from the member’s salary credit records under the circular’s rules.

Can You Claim If the Latest Contributions Are Missing?

Yes, in many cases.

A funeral claim should not automatically fail just because the latest monthly contributions are not yet posted. What matters is the member’s total valid contribution record and the reason for the missing months.

If the deceased had at least one paid SSS contribution

The funeral benefit may be claimable even if the member was no longer actively paying. For example:

A former private employee paid SSS for two years, stopped working, and died years later.
A voluntary member paid several contributions but later stopped.
An OFW paid some contributions before returning to the Philippines.
A retiree or permanent total disability pensioner dies.

If the record shows at least one paid contribution, SSS may approve the fixed ₱12,000 benefit if the total contributions are fewer than 36. If there are at least 36 contributions, SSS computes the variable amount.

If the record shows 35 contributions but one missing month would make it 36

This matters because the benefit may jump from a fixed ₱12,000 to a variable amount of at least ₱20,000. In this situation, do not simply accept the visible My.SSS total if you have proof of the missing payment.

Gather proof such as:

Payslips showing SSS deductions
Certificate of employment with SSS number
Company ID or employment records showing the SSS number
BIR Form 2316 showing employment during the missing period
Employer certification
SSS payment receipts, PRN receipts, or bank/e-wallet payment confirmations
Old SSS E-1, E-4, RS-1, OW-1, or other SSS records

SSS itself lists employment records with the member’s SS number, payslips, and SSS membership records as acceptable proof to establish SSS membership of the deceased member. (Social Security System)

If the missing contributions were caused by the employer

This is where Philippine law is especially important.

Under Section 22 of RA 11199, employers required to deduct and remit SSS contributions are liable for payment. The law also states that the employer’s failure or refusal to remit contributions shall not prejudice the right of the covered employee to the benefits of coverage.

In plain English: if the worker was covered and the employer failed to remit, the family should not be punished for the employer’s violation.

Section 24 of RA 11199 further provides that if an employer fails to report an employee, or remits less than what should have been remitted, and this results in reduced benefits, the employer may be liable to SSS for damages equivalent to the benefits or the difference in benefits.

If the employer deducted contributions from wages but failed to remit them within 30 days from the due date, RA 11199 treats this seriously: the employer is presumed to have misappropriated the deductions and may face penalties under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code on estafa.

Who Can Claim the SSS Funeral Benefit?

SSS funeral benefit is paid to the person who defrayed or paid the funeral expenses, subject to the order of priority in SSS rules.

Under Circular No. 2023-009, the order of priority is generally:

Surviving legal spouse
Children, parents, or any other natural person who can present proof of payment, if:
- the surviving legal spouse did not pay the funeral expenses or cannot be located;
- the legal spouse is deceased; or
- the deceased member was single.

This is a common source of conflict. A sibling, child, parent, live-in partner, or friend may have actually paid the funeral home, but SSS will still check whether there is a surviving legal spouse and whether the required waiver, affidavit, death certificate, or CENOMAR is submitted.

Funeral Benefit vs. SSS Death Benefit

Many families confuse the funeral benefit with the death benefit.

They are different claims.

Benefit	Purpose	Who usually receives it	Contribution issue
Funeral benefit	Helps reimburse funeral expenses	Person who paid funeral expenses, subject to SSS priority rules	At least 1 paid contribution may qualify
Death benefit	Pension or lump sum for beneficiaries	Primary or secondary beneficiaries under SSS law	Monthly pension generally requires at least 36 contributions before the semester of death

The SSS Death Benefit page explains that death benefit may be paid as a monthly pension or lump sum to qualified beneficiaries, and that a monthly pension requires at least 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of death. (Social Security System)

So even if the family cannot qualify for a monthly death pension, the funeral benefit may still be available if the deceased member had at least one contribution.

Step-by-Step Guide If Contributions Are Not Updated

1. Check the deceased member’s SSS record

Start by identifying the correct SSS number. If the deceased had several old documents, check for possible inconsistencies in:

Full name
Middle name or maiden name
Date of birth
SSS number
CRN or UMID number
Employer records

If the claimant has access to relevant records, check the contribution history through My.SSS or ask SSS to verify the record at a branch.

2. Collect proof of SSS membership and missing contributions

If contributions are missing, prepare proof before filing or while the claim is pending.

Useful documents include:

SSS ID, UMID, or old SSS forms
E-1 personal record
E-4 member data change form
RS-1, NW-1, OW-1, or OFW records
Payslips with SSS deductions
Company ID with SSS number
Certificate of employment
Payroll records
BIR Form 2316
Payment receipts or PRN confirmations
Employer certification of deductions/remittances

For employed members, payslips showing SSS deductions are especially important because they show that the employee’s share was withheld from wages.

3. Determine whether the claim can be filed online or over the counter

SSS allows online filing for SSS member-claimants through the My.SSS portal. Non-SSS member-claimants must file over the counter at an SSS branch. The claimant must have an SSS number, be registered in the SSS website, and have an enrolled disbursement account through DAEM for online filing. (Social Security System)

Online filing is usually smoother when:

the claimant is the surviving legal spouse;
the deceased member’s SSS record is clear;
the death certificate is available;
the claimant has a DAEM-approved bank or e-wallet account;
there are no major name, civil status, or contribution issues.

Over-the-counter filing is often necessary when:

the claimant is not an SSS member;
the surviving spouse is not the claimant;
the deceased died abroad and documents need checking;
the SSS number or contribution record is disputed;
the claim involves legal heirs, missing spouse, or conflicting claimants;
supporting documents need manual evaluation.

4. Prepare the core documents

The usual basic requirements are:

Document	Practical notes
Proof of SSS membership of deceased member	SSS card, UMID, SSS records, employment records, payslip, or SSS-issued certification
Death certificate	LCR-registered or PSA-issued death certificate; SSS may also accept civil registry certification with official seal
Proof of funeral payment	Usually official receipt with BIR registration bearing the claimant’s name and deceased member’s name
Claimant’s valid ID	Bring originals and photocopies for OTC filing
Disbursement account	Needed for benefit payment; online filing requires DAEM enrollment
Additional spouse/heir documents	Marriage certificate, CENOMAR, waiver, affidavit, or death certificate of spouse depending on the case

SSS specifically requires proof of SSS membership, death certificate, and proof of defrayal of funeral expenses, when applicable, for funeral benefit claims. (Social Security System)

5. File the claim and upload or submit clear documents

For online filing, SSS instructs claimants to log in to My.SSS, go to the Benefits tab, choose Funeral Claim, enter the deceased member’s details, select the disbursement account, upload supporting documents, and submit the certification. (Social Security System)

For over-the-counter filing, bring originals and photocopies. Originals are usually presented for authentication, while photocopies are submitted.

6. Ask SSS to verify or correct unposted contributions

If the contribution issue affects approval or amount, ask SSS to verify the missing months. Be specific:

Identify the employer and employment period.
Show the months missing from the SSS record.
Attach payslips or payroll documents showing deductions.
Ask whether the employer filed collection lists or remitted under a wrong SSS number.
Request written guidance on what document SSS needs to credit or consider the missing contributions.

If the employer failed to remit, SSS may pursue collection from the employer. The claim may take longer because SSS must validate the employment, deductions, and contribution history.

7. Monitor the claim status

SSS processing time for funeral benefit claims is listed as 7 days for both over-the-counter and My.SSS filing, but this assumes complete documents and no unresolved record problem.

In real practice, delays are common when there are:

unposted employer contributions;
mismatched names or birth dates;
no official receipt under the claimant’s name;
foreign death documents;
competing claimants;
missing marriage certificate, CENOMAR, or waiver;
unclear legal spouse status.

How Much Can Be Claimed?

The funeral benefit is a reimbursement-type benefit. Circular No. 2023-009 says it reimburses funeral expenses based on proof of payment, but not more than the computed funeral benefit due.

This means the benefit is not automatically a windfall. SSS may look at the documented funeral expense and the computed maximum benefit.

Examples

Example	Likely result
Member paid 12 contributions total	Fixed ₱12,000, if requirements are complete
Member paid 35 contributions, with no proof of missing contribution	Fixed ₱12,000
Member paid 35 posted contributions, but payslip proves one unposted employer-deducted month	SSS verification may raise total to 36 and affect computation
Member paid 80 contributions	Variable amount, starting from ₱20,000 and capped at ₱60,000
Retired pensioner dies	Funeral benefit may be claimed by qualified claimant
Record shows no contribution and no proof of payment	Likely denial or pending verification

Common Problems and How to Handle Them

The funeral receipt is under another person’s name

SSS usually wants the official receipt under the claimant’s name and showing the deceased member’s name. If another person paid, that person may be the proper claimant unless the surviving legal spouse rules apply.

If the original OR is lost or submitted elsewhere, SSS may allow a certified true copy of the OR or certification from the funeral parlor or memorial service showing payment details. (Social Security System)

The surviving spouse did not pay

If the claimant is not the surviving legal spouse, SSS may require a notarized waiver from the spouse, or a notarized affidavit by two disinterested persons stating that the spouse did not pay or cannot be located. (Social Security System)

“Disinterested persons” generally means people who do not stand to benefit from the claim and can credibly attest to the facts.

The deceased was single

SSS may require a CENOMAR or Certificate of No Marriage Record to show that there is no surviving legal spouse. This is especially important when the claimant is a parent, sibling, child, or other person who paid the expenses.

The deceased died abroad

If the member died and was buried or cremated abroad, SSS may require the death certificate from the foreign vital statistics office or equivalent. If the death certificate is not in English, SSS requires an official English translation from the DFA or Philippine Embassy. (Social Security System)

For Filipinos abroad, a Report of Death from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate can also help align Philippine civil registry records, especially if other benefits or estate matters will later be processed.

The claimant is a foreigner

A foreign spouse, partner, friend, or other natural person may have practical standing if they actually paid the funeral expenses and can meet SSS requirements. The main issues are usually documentary:

proof of identity;
proof of payment;
proof of relationship, if claiming as spouse;
English translation of foreign documents;
acceptable disbursement arrangement;
authority documents if a representative files in the Philippines.

A foreign claimant who is not an SSS member may need to file over the counter or through proper SSS foreign office procedures rather than through the online My.SSS claim route.

The employer says “hindi pa na-post” but deducted SSS from salary

Ask for payroll records and proof of remittance. The employer’s delay or failure should not defeat the employee’s right to coverage benefits. RA 11199 gives SSS remedies against delinquent employers, including collection, penalties, damages, and possible criminal consequences for deducted but unremitted amounts.

What If SSS Denies the Funeral Claim?

If SSS denies the claim, the first step is to identify the exact reason. Common reasons include:

no posted contribution;
insufficient proof that the claimant paid funeral expenses;
wrong claimant under the order of priority;
missing spouse waiver or CENOMAR;
death certificate not acceptable;
name or civil status discrepancy;
fraud concern or conflicting claim.

For disputes involving coverage, benefits, contributions, and penalties, Section 5 of RA 11199 provides that disputes are cognizable by the Social Security Commission. Decisions of the Commission may be reviewed by the Court of Appeals, and appeals must generally be taken within 15 days from notification.

In practical terms, a denial based on missing employer remittances should be approached differently from a denial based on zero membership proof. For employer non-remittance, the strongest documents are employment records and proof of salary deductions. For zero membership proof, the family needs to establish that the deceased was truly registered and had at least one valid contribution.

Required Documents Checklist

Category	Documents to prepare
Deceased member identity	SSS number, UMID/SSS ID, E-1/E-4/RS-1/NW-1/OW-1, employment records with SS number
Death proof	PSA or LCR death certificate; foreign death certificate if death occurred abroad; English translation if not in English
Funeral payment proof	BIR-registered official receipt, certified true copy, funeral parlor certification, or memorial plan documents
Claimant identity	Valid government ID, SSS number if online claimant, contact details
Bank/payment details	DAEM-approved bank/e-wallet account for online filing; acceptable disbursement account for OTC
Spouse/heir documents	Marriage certificate, CENOMAR, waiver, affidavit of two disinterested persons, death certificate of spouse, birth certificates if needed
Missing contribution proof	Payslips, payroll records, COE, BIR Form 2316, employer certification, PRN/payment receipts

Fees, Filing Period, and Timeline

Item	Practical rule
SSS filing fee	No SSS filing fee for the benefit claim
Notarization	May be needed for waiver, affidavit, SPA, or other sworn documents
PSA/LCR documents	Fees depend on where and how certificates are requested
Filing period	Funeral benefit claim must be filed within 10 years from the month of death
Normal processing time	SSS Citizen’s Charter lists 7 days for funeral benefit claims, if complete
Common delay	Missing contributions, employer verification, foreign documents, wrong claimant, or incomplete civil registry documents

Circular No. 2023-009 sets the prescriptive period for funeral benefit claims at 10 years from the month of death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim SSS funeral benefits if the deceased member stopped paying years ago?

Yes, if the deceased had at least one valid SSS contribution. The benefit may be fixed at ₱12,000 if total paid contributions are fewer than 36, or variable from ₱20,000 to ₱60,000 if there are at least 36 paid contributions.

Can I claim if the deceased member’s latest SSS contributions are not posted?

Yes, the claim may still proceed, but SSS may compute based on posted and verified contributions. If the missing months affect eligibility or the amount, submit proof such as payslips, employer certification, payroll records, or payment receipts.

What if the employer deducted SSS but never remitted it?

The employee’s right to SSS benefits should not be prejudiced by the employer’s failure to remit. Under RA 11199, the employer may be liable for unpaid contributions, penalties, damages, and possible criminal consequences if deductions were withheld but not remitted.

Can the family pay missing SSS contributions after death to qualify?

Generally, paying after death to create eligibility is not allowed. SSS benefits are based on valid contributions paid under SSS rules. If the missing contribution was actually paid before death but not posted, the issue is proof and correction, not retroactive qualification.

Who should file the SSS funeral benefit claim?

The surviving legal spouse has priority. If the spouse did not pay, cannot be located, is deceased, or the member was single, children, parents, or another natural person who paid the funeral expenses may claim, subject to SSS documentary requirements.

Is the funeral benefit always ₱20,000 or ₱60,000?

No. If the deceased had 1 to 35 paid contributions, the benefit is ₱12,000. The ₱20,000 to ₱60,000 range applies to members or pensioners with at least 36 paid contributions, subject to the SSS formula and documented funeral expenses.

Can I claim both funeral benefit and death benefit?

Yes, if the requirements for each benefit are met. They are separate benefits. Funeral benefit reimburses funeral expenses, while death benefit is paid to qualified beneficiaries as monthly pension or lump sum depending on the member’s contributions and beneficiary status.

What if the funeral receipt is not under my name?

That can be a problem because SSS usually requires proof that the claimant paid the funeral expenses. If the receipt is under another person’s name, SSS may treat that person as the proper claimant unless the surviving legal spouse rules or substitute documents apply.

How long does SSS funeral benefit processing take?

SSS lists 7 days for funeral benefit claim processing, but this assumes complete documents and no unresolved issues. Missing contributions, employer delinquency, foreign documents, and claimant disputes can make the process longer.

Can a foreign spouse or foreigner claim SSS funeral benefits?

Yes, if the person qualifies under SSS rules and can prove payment of funeral expenses. The claimant must prepare acceptable identification, proof of payment, relationship documents if claiming as spouse, and English translations for foreign documents not written in English.

Key Takeaways

You can still claim SSS funeral benefits even if contributions are not updated, as long as the deceased member’s valid contribution record and documents support the claim.
A member with 1 to 35 paid contributions may qualify for a fixed ₱12,000 funeral benefit.
A member or pensioner with at least 36 paid contributions may qualify for a variable benefit from ₱20,000 to ₱60,000.
If an employer deducted but failed to remit SSS contributions, RA 11199 protects the employee’s right to benefits and makes the employer liable.
The surviving legal spouse has priority, but another person who paid the funeral expenses may claim if SSS requirements are met.
Missing contributions should be supported with payslips, payroll records, employer certifications, SSS records, PRN receipts, or other proof.
Funeral claims must be filed within 10 years from the month of death.
The most common causes of delay are unposted contributions, wrong claimant, missing official receipt, civil registry discrepancies, and foreign death documents.