Short answer

Yes—you can still claim the SSS burial (also called “funeral”) benefit even if more than one year has passed since the member’s death. Under long-standing SSS rules, most benefit claims prescribe after ten (10) years counted from the date of contingency (here, the date of death). Filing within a year is not required; filing within ten years is.

Practical takeaway: If you’re past one year, you’re not late—but don’t wait, because claims filed beyond ten years will be denied as prescribed.

What the SSS burial benefit is

Who it’s for: The person who paid the funeral/burial expenses of a deceased SSS member (not necessarily the legal heirs).
Program: Regular SSS program (separate from the Employees’ Compensation “EC” program).
Amount: The regular SSS funeral benefit is a fixed-plus-variable amount historically ranging within a set band based on the member’s contributions and average monthly salary credit. (Rates can change by policy; check current schedules when you file.)

Note: If the death was work-related, a separate EC funeral benefit may also be payable. EC has its own rules and prescriptive period distinct from regular SSS.

Prescriptive period and timing questions

1) Is there a one-year deadline?

No. There is no one-year filing deadline for the SSS funeral benefit. The key limit is the 10-year prescriptive period from date of death.

2) What happens if I file after one year but before ten years?

Your claim is still timely. You simply need to meet documentary requirements. There’s no interest for delayed filing, so earlier is better.

3) What if the 10th year is approaching?

File before the 10-year mark. Keep proof of submission (acknowledgment page/reference no. if online; stamped copy if over-the-counter).

4) What if I lost the funeral receipt?

SSS typically allows alternative proof (e.g., certification from the funeral home, affidavit of loss, and other corroborating documents). Prepare to submit supporting IDs and any proof that you paid.

Eligibility, priority, and common scenarios

Primary rule: The benefit goes to who actually paid the funeral/burial expenses.
If several people contributed: SSS pays the claimant who files and proves payment. If multiple claimants file, SSS may require waivers or allocate based on proof of who paid what.
If the payer is a minor: A legal guardian files on the minor’s behalf.
If the payer is overseas: A representative in the Philippines may file with a Special Power of Attorney and authenticated IDs, or the claimant may file online through My.SSS (where available).
Member’s status: Benefit is payable whether the member was employed, self-employed, voluntary, OFW, or even if already a pensioner, provided the member had at least one (1) posted contribution (historic rule; actual qualifying conditions and rate computation depend on total posted contributions and policies in force when you file).

Documents you’ll usually need

(Expect SSS to ask for originals for verification plus photocopies; exact forms can change, but these are the staples.)

Claim form for Funeral/Burial Benefit (SSS’s official funeral claim application form).
Death certificate of the member (PSA/LCRO copy).
Proof of payment of funeral/burial expenses
- Official receipt(s) from funeral parlor/cemetery/crematorium; or
- Certification from funeral parlor; affidavit of loss if receipts are missing, plus other proof (contracts, statements, etc.).
Claimant’s valid IDs (government-issued; bring two, with at least one photo/signature ID).
Member’s SSS number and any available documents showing posted contributions (SSS can verify in its system).
Additional papers if applicable: SPA/authorization, guardianship papers, marriage certificate (if surname differs), proof of relationship (not always required, since payer—not heir—claims).

Tip: Names and dates must match across documents. Resolve spelling/clerical errors with the issuing office (LCRO/PSA) before filing to avoid delays.

How to file

Online (My.SSS)

Log in to My.SSS → e-Services → Apply for Funeral Benefit (menu labels may vary).
Complete the form, upload scans of required documents, and submit.
Monitor your transaction reference number and SSS notifications for any clarifications.

Over-the-Counter

Go to any SSS branch (preferably where the member’s records are) with your documents.
Get queue ticket for Benefits → Funeral and submit your application.
Keep the stamped receiving copy or acknowledgment slip.

Payment is typically through check or accredited bank/e-payment channels designated by SSS at the time of approval.

“After one year” checklist

Confirm you’re within 10 years from date of death.
Gather proof that you paid (receipts, contract, or certification).
Ensure the death certificate is complete and legible (with correct registry numbers).
Prepare valid IDs and any SPA/guardianship documents if needed.
If death was work-related, ask about EC funeral benefit in addition to the regular SSS claim.
File now—processing only starts when SSS receives a complete claim.

Frequently asked edge cases

No contributions or very few contributions? The funeral benefit under regular SSS has historically required at least one posted contribution; the amount depends on the contribution record and policy schedule. If there are zero contributions, regular SSS funeral benefit is usually not payable (EC may still apply if the death is work-related and employer coverage existed).
Multiple years since death: As long as you’re within 10 years, you can still claim. Expect SSS to be stricter about proof of payment.
Different payer and next of kin: Heirs don’t automatically get the funeral benefit if they didn’t pay the expenses; the payer does. (Heirs may separately pursue death benefits/pension, which follow a different set of rules and beneficiaries.)
Taxes: SSS benefits are generally non-taxable under Philippine law; the funeral benefit is not subject to income tax.

Bottom line

The one-year mark is not a deadline for the SSS burial (funeral) benefit.
The decisive limit is the 10-year prescription from the date of death.
If you’re past a year, file now with complete documents—especially proof that you paid the funeral/burial costs.
Consider whether a separate EC funeral benefit also applies for work-related deaths.

This article is for general guidance in the Philippine context. Exact forms, amounts, and submission channels can change. Bring your IDs and documents, and file within the ten-year window to preserve your claim.