In the Philippines, the social security system is bifurcated into two primary institutions: the Social Security System (SSS) for private-sector employees and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for public-sector workers. Upon the passing of a member, their legal beneficiaries are entitled to death and funeral benefits. However, the release of these funds is strictly contingent upon the submission of specific legal documents to establish the cause of death, the identity of the deceased, and the legitimacy of the claimants.

I. The Social Security System (SSS)

SSS death benefits are granted to the primary or secondary beneficiaries of a deceased member. If the member had paid at least 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of death, the primary beneficiaries are entitled to a monthly pension. If not, a lump sum is granted.

A. Funeral Benefit Requirements

This is a cash benefit given to whoever paid the burial expenses of the deceased member.

Claim for Funeral Benefit (SSS Form BPN-103).
Death Certificate: Duly certified by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) or the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Official Receipt of Funeral Expenses: Must be issued under the name of the claimant.
Valid Government IDs: Two (2) valid IDs of the claimant with signature and photo.

B. Death Benefit (Pension/Lump Sum) Requirements

Claim for Death Benefit (SSS Form DDR-1).
Death Certificate of the Member: PSA-issued.
Marriage Contract: If the claimant is the surviving spouse (PSA-issued).
Birth Certificate(s): Of minor children if claiming for dependent’s pension.
Single/CENOMAR: If the deceased was single, a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) is required to establish the secondary beneficiaries (parents).
Affidavit of Guardianship: Required if the children are minors or incapacitated and the claimant is not the biological parent.

II. The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)

Under Republic Act No. 8291, the GSIS provides survivorship benefits to the primary beneficiaries of a deceased member or pensioner.

A. Funeral Benefit Requirements

A fixed amount (currently ₱30,000) paid to the person who shouldered the funeral expenses, prioritized as follows: surviving spouse, legitimate children, or any other person who can prove payment.

Application for Funeral Benefit (GSIS Form).
Death Certificate: PSA-issued.
Service Record: For active members, to confirm service at the time of death.

B. Survivorship Benefit Requirements

This includes the Survivorship Pension (for the spouse and children) or a Cash Payment.

Application for Survivorship Benefit.
Marriage Contract: PSA-issued, specifically to prove the marriage was subsisting at the time of death.
Birth Certificates of Minor Children: PSA-issued.
Affidavit of Surviving Heirs: A sworn statement listing all legal heirs.
Affidavit of Non-Remarriage/Non-Cohabitation: The surviving spouse must swear they have not remarried or entered into a common-law relationship, as this disqualifies them from the pension.
Court Order of Guardianship: If the children are minors and the benefit amount exceeds the threshold set by the GSIS.

III. Special Documentary Requirements for Specific Scenarios

In certain legal contexts, standard documentation may be insufficient. The following are required for more complex cases:

Scenario	Required Document
Death occurred abroad	Death Certificate must be authenticated/apostilled by the Philippine Consulate or Embassy in the country of death.
Missing Member	A Court Declaration of Presumptive Death (usually after 4 or 7 years depending on the circumstances of disappearance).
Cause of Death is Work-Related	Employer’s Report of Injury/Sickness/Death to claim under the Employees' Compensation (EC) Program.
Common-law Relationship	While SSS recognizes "dependent" children regardless of legitimacy, the surviving common-law partner is generally not entitled to the spouse’s pension under current Philippine law.

IV. Crucial Legal Reminders for Claimants

Prescription Period: Claims for funeral benefits must generally be filed within ten (10) years from the date of death. However, it is advisable to file immediately to avoid the loss of records.
PSA Certification: Both SSS and GSIS strictly require documents printed on PSA security paper. LCR copies are usually only accepted if the PSA copy is blurred or not yet available, provided they are accompanied by a Transmittal Letter.
Disqualification: For the surviving spouse, the right to the survivorship pension ceases upon remarriage, cohabitation (living with a new partner), or death.
Dependent Children: Benefits for children generally continue until they reach the age of majority (21 years old), unless they are incapacitated and such incapacity began before reaching the age of majority.