Bottom line (short answer)

Yes. If a senior citizen is currently receiving an SSS survivor’s (widow/widower/parent) pension as a regular monthly benefit, that senior is generally not eligible for the DSWD Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens. The DSWD program is, by law and policy, limited to indigent seniors who do not receive any pension from SSS, GSIS, PVAO, or any other source.

There are, however, practical nuances explained below (e.g., one-time benefits, stopped pensions, appeals).

Legal framework

SSS Survivor’s Pension Under the Social Security Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11199), the survivor’s pension is a continuing monthly benefit paid to the deceased member’s primary beneficiaries (spouse and dependent children) or, in their absence, secondary beneficiaries (dependent parents). It is a pension—i.e., a recurring, periodic payment—not a one-time grant.
DSWD Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) The program was created under RA 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010) and later institutionalized and increased by RA 11916 (Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Act, 2022). Core eligibility—retained across issuances—requires that a senior be:
1. Indigent (no regular income and no regular support from family/relatives),
2. Frail, sickly, or with disability (or otherwise assessed as vulnerable), and
3. Not receiving any pension from SSS, GSIS, or other sources.
The stipend is ₱1,000 per month under RA 11916 (disbursed in cycles via LGUs/DSWD).

Interaction rule: Because RA 11916 targets seniors without any pension, a senior who receives an SSS survivor’s pension is barred from the DSWD social pension so long as that SSS benefit is in force.

What counts as a “pension” for DSWD purposes?

Counts (disqualifies):
- SSS monthly benefits: retirement, disability, survivor’s (widow/widower/parent), and EC (Employees’ Compensation) pensions administered through SSS.
- Other regular pensions: e.g., GSIS, PVAO, AFP/PNP retirement systems, local government pension schemes, and private employer pensions if paid regularly.
Usually does not count (does not automatically disqualify):
- One-time, non-recurring benefits, such as SSS funeral benefit or lump-sum death benefit paid when no eligible survivors’ pension accrues.
- Arrears (past unpaid pensions paid in a single tranche) after the pension has already been terminated, provided there is no ongoing entitlement.

Practical test: If it’s a recurring monthly pension you are currently receiving, DSWD will treat it as a pension and you will generally be ineligible.

Common real-world scenarios

Widow receiving SSS survivor’s pension of any amount
- Result: Not eligible for the DSWD social pension while the SSS pension is active—even if the amount is small.
Senior previously received a one-time SSS lump sum (no ongoing pension)
- Result: May be eligible, subject to indigency screening. The lump sum itself isn’t a “current pension.”
Survivor’s pension temporarily suspended (e.g., documentary lapse) then reinstated
- Result: During suspension, DSWD may still treat the senior as a pensioner if entitlement continues and reinstatement is expected. If the SSS benefit is fully terminated (not just suspended) and there is no ongoing entitlement, eligibility may be reconsidered.
Senior with small private company stipend
- Result: If it is a regular pension-type payment, DSWD typically treats it as a pension and will disqualify.
Receiving LGU “ayuda,” cash grants, or emergency assistance (non-pension)
- Result: These are not pensions; they do not automatically disqualify, but overall indigency is still assessed.

Eligibility assessment & process

Gateways to the program
- Age: 60 years and above.
- Indigency: No regular income; lacking sufficient support from family/relatives; frail/sickly/with disability or otherwise vulnerable.
- No pension: Not receiving any current pension from SSS/GSIS/others.
Targeting tools
- Listahanan (national household targeting), barangay validation, and MSWDO/OSCA vetting are used to identify and periodically revalidate beneficiaries.
(Re)validation and delisting
- Beneficiaries are reviewed periodically. Discovery that a beneficiary has begun receiving a pension (including SSS survivor’s) can lead to delisting.
- Conversely, if a senior’s outside pension ends, the senior may re-apply for the DSWD social pension and be reconsidered upon validation.

Documents & practical tips

When applying (no pension):
- Barangay certificate and/or proof of residency
- OSCA ID or proof of age
- Affidavit of no pension (if required locally)
- Medical certificate or any proof of frailty/disability (if available)
- Listahanan reference (if any) and MSWDO evaluation
If you have an SSS survivor’s pension but believe you should be eligible:
- Understand that the law’s “no pension” rule is categorical. DSWD frontliners have little discretion to override it.
- If your SSS survivor’s pension has been officially terminated, secure SSS certification that no further monthly pension is due, then re-apply with DSWD.
- For one-time benefits (funeral or lump sum), bring proof that they were non-recurring.

Appeals, grievances, and special cases

Grievance mechanism: Each DSWD Field Office and the LGU’s MSWDO/OSCA maintains a grievance/appeals process. You may:
- File a written grievance if you believe a mistake occurred in screening.
- Request revalidation if your circumstances changed (e.g., your SSS pension ended).
Humanitarian assistance: Even if disqualified from the social pension, seniors may still qualify for AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations) or other DSWD/LGU services—these are separate from the pension program.

Local social pensions vs. the national program

Some LGUs operate local social pension or cash-aid programs with their own rules (sometimes allowing small SSS pensions). These are distinct from the national DSWD social pension. Check your city/municipality’s guidelines; being disqualified from the national program does not automatically bar you from LGU programs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1) I receive a ₱1,200/month SSS survivor’s pension. Can I also get the DSWD social pension? No. Any current monthly pension from SSS (including survivor’s) disqualifies you from the national DSWD social pension.

2) I received an SSS funeral benefit when my spouse died. I don’t get any monthly pension. Am I eligible? Possibly yes. A one-time funeral benefit is not a monthly pension. Your eligibility will then depend on indigency and other criteria.

3) My SSS survivor’s pension was stopped permanently. Can I apply to DSWD now? Yes. Bring SSS certification that the pension has ended, then undergo DSWD/LGU validation.

4) If my name is not in Listahanan, am I automatically disqualified? No. Listahanan is a targeting tool, but LGUs/DSWD can validate and include qualified seniors not previously listed.

5) Can I keep DSWD social pension if I later start receiving SSS survivor’s pension? No. Expect delisting upon revalidation or discovery of the SSS pension.

Practical roadmap (what to do next)

If you have an active SSS survivor’s pension:
- Assume you are ineligible for the national DSWD social pension.
- Ask your MSWDO/OSCA about other LGU programs you may still qualify for.
- Explore AICS or health/medicine assistance if needed.
If you do not have a current pension (or it ended):
- Prepare documents (ID, proof of age/residency, health proof, SSS certification of no current pension, if applicable).
- Apply through your Barangay/MSWDO/OSCA for validation.
If a screening decision seems wrong:
- File a grievance with your MSWDO/DSWD Field Office, attaching proof (e.g., that your SSS benefit is not a monthly pension, or that it has ended).

Key takeaways

The DSWD Social Pension is intended for indigent seniors with no ongoing pension of any kind.
An SSS survivor’s pension is a pension; while it is active, it disqualifies you from the national program.
One-time SSS benefits (e.g., funeral or non-recurring lump sums) do not automatically disqualify, but you must still pass indigency checks.
Delisted? You can re-apply if your outside pension ends, bringing SSS proof of termination.
LGU programs may have different rules—always check locally.