Losing a family member is already difficult; figuring out SSS death, funeral, and possible Employees’ Compensation benefits can make it even heavier. In the Philippines, the two claims families most often file after an SSS member dies are the SSS Death Benefit for qualified beneficiaries and the SSS Funeral Benefit for the person who paid the funeral expenses. If the death was work-related, there may also be separate Employees’ Compensation (EC) benefits. This guide explains who may claim, what documents to prepare, how to file online or at an SSS branch, and what common problems usually delay approval.
What SSS Benefits Can Be Claimed When a Member Dies?
There are three benefit categories to check.
| Benefit | Who receives it | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| SSS Death Benefit | Qualified beneficiaries of the deceased member | Monthly pension or lump sum, depending on contributions and beneficiary status |
| SSS Funeral Benefit | The person who paid or shouldered funeral expenses | Cash assistance for burial, cremation, memorial, coffin, interment, or related funeral costs |
| EC Death/Funeral Benefit | Qualified beneficiaries if death was work-connected | Separate EC death pension and EC funeral benefit for compensable work-related death |
The SSS Death Benefit is paid either as a monthly pension or a lump sum. A monthly pension is generally for primary beneficiaries of a deceased member who paid at least 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death. If the member paid fewer than 36 contributions, the benefit is generally a lump sum. (Social Security System)
The SSS Funeral Benefit is separate. It is not automatically paid to the spouse or children. It is paid to the person who actually defrayed, or paid for, the funeral expenses. Starting 20 October 2023, the funeral benefit is ₱20,000 to ₱60,000 if the member or pensioner paid at least 36 contributions up to the month of death, and ₱12,000 if the member paid at least 1 but fewer than 36 contributions. (Social Security System)
If the death resulted from a work-connected injury or sickness, the family should also check the Employees’ Compensation Program. SSS states that EC death benefits apply when the employee or covered self-employed member died because of a compensable sickness or injury, and EC funeral benefit is ₱30,000 for an EC-compensable death. (Social Security System)
Legal Basis for SSS Death and Funeral Benefits
The main law is Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018. Section 13 of RA 11199 provides the statutory basis for death benefits, including the rule that primary beneficiaries may receive a monthly pension if the deceased member paid at least 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death. (Lawphil)
For work-related deaths, the legal framework comes from the Labor Code’s Employees’ Compensation and State Insurance Fund system, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 626. PD 626 created a tax-exempt employees’ compensation program for workers and dependents in cases of work-connected disability or death. (Employees' Compensation Commission)
For claims involving “legal heirs,” SSS may require proof of succession rights. The underlying rules on heirs and inheritance are found in the Civil Code of the Philippines, including the provisions on compulsory heirs and legitime under Articles 887 onward. (Lawphil)
Government processing is also affected by Republic Act No. 11032, the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, which applies to government offices and government-owned or controlled corporations handling both business and nonbusiness transactions. (Supreme Court E-Library)
Who Can Claim the SSS Death Benefit?
SSS follows a hierarchy. The first question is not simply “Who is named in the SSS record?” but “Are there primary beneficiaries under the law?”
Primary Beneficiaries
The primary beneficiaries are:
- The dependent legal spouse, until he or she remarries; and
- The deceased member’s dependent children, whether legitimate, legitimated, legally adopted, or illegitimate, provided they are unmarried, not gainfully employed, and below 21 years old, or over 21 if permanently incapacitated under SSS rules. (Social Security System)
SSS recognizes both legitimate and illegitimate dependent children. In practical terms, this means the child’s birth certificate and proof of filiation are important, especially if the child was not properly listed in the member’s SSS records.
Secondary Beneficiaries
If there are no primary beneficiaries, the benefit goes to the dependent parents of the deceased member as secondary beneficiaries. If there are no dependent parents, SSS may pay the designated beneficiary in the member’s SSS records, and if there is none, the legal heirs under succession rules. (Social Security System)
Common Misunderstanding: Common-Law Partner vs. Legal Spouse
A live-in partner is not the same as a legal spouse for SSS death pension purposes. If the deceased had a valid legal marriage and the spouse is qualified, the legal spouse usually has priority over a common-law partner. A common-law partner may have a practical role in the funeral benefit only if that person actually paid the funeral expenses and can satisfy SSS requirements.
Death Benefit: Pension or Lump Sum?
The type of death benefit depends mainly on contributions and beneficiary category.
| Situation | Likely benefit |
|---|---|
| Member paid at least 36 monthly contributions before the semester of death and has primary beneficiaries | Monthly death pension |
| Member paid fewer than 36 monthly contributions and has primary beneficiaries | Lump sum |
| No primary beneficiaries, but there are secondary beneficiaries | Lump sum under SSS rules |
| No primary or secondary beneficiaries | Designated beneficiary or legal heirs may claim, subject to SSS evaluation |
The monthly pension amount is computed by SSS using formulas based on the member’s Average Monthly Salary Credit (AMSC) and Credited Years of Service (CYS). SSS uses the highest applicable computation, including statutory minimum pensions depending on credited years of service. (Social Security System)
Survivorship pensioners may also receive related amounts such as the 13th month pension and additional benefit allowance. SSS has also implemented a Pension Reform Program with scheduled increases from 2025 to 2027, including increases for death or survivor pensioners. (Social Security System)
Who Can Claim the SSS Funeral Benefit?
The funeral benefit is claimed by the person who paid the funeral expenses. Under SSS Circular No. 2023-009, the order of priority is generally:
- Surviving legal spouse; or
- Children, parents, or another natural person who can prove payment, if the legal spouse did not pay, cannot be located, is deceased, or the deceased member was single.
For claimants other than the surviving legal spouse, SSS may require additional proof such as an Official Receipt in the claimant’s name and documents showing why the legal spouse is not the proper claimant. This may include a notarized waiver by the surviving legal spouse, a notarized affidavit by disinterested persons stating that the spouse did not pay or cannot be located, the spouse’s death certificate, or a CENOMAR if the member was single. (Social Security System)
SSS Circular No. 2023-009 also provides that funeral benefit applications must be filed within 10 years from the month of death of the member or pensioner.
Step-by-Step: How to File SSS Benefits for a Deceased Member
Step 1: Confirm the Deceased Member’s SSS Information
Gather the deceased member’s:
- SSS number or Common Reference Number (CRN)
- Full legal name used in SSS records
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- Employment or membership records, if available
- Contribution history, if accessible through My.SSS or old records
For funeral claims, SSS may require proof establishing SSS membership, such as a Social Security Card, UMID, SSS records like E-1 or E-4, employment records with SSS number, payslips, company ID, or an SSS-issued certification showing the correct SS number. (Social Security System)
Step 2: Secure the Death Certificate
For deaths in the Philippines, prepare the death certificate duly registered with the Local Civil Registry (LCR) or issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). For deaths abroad, SSS may require a foreign death certificate issued by the host country’s vital statistics office or a Report of Death issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General. (Social Security System)
If the deceased was a Filipino citizen who died abroad, the death should generally be reported through the Philippine embassy or consulate so it can be registered with the PSA. (Philippine Consulate General)
Step 3: Identify the Correct Claimant
Before filing, identify who is legally entitled to file:
- For death benefit, determine whether there is a dependent legal spouse, dependent children, dependent parents, designated beneficiaries, or legal heirs.
- For funeral benefit, determine who paid the funeral expenses and whose name appears on the Official Receipt.
- For EC benefits, determine whether the death was work-connected and whether the employer reported the worker to SSS.
This step matters because many delays happen when the wrong person files first, or when several relatives file inconsistent claims.
Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents
For the SSS Death Benefit, SSS requires the original or certified true copy for presentation and photocopies for submission. Basic documents include the Death Claim Application Form, Member’s/Claimant’s Photo and Signature Card if needed, death certificate if no settled funeral benefit exists, disbursement account details, and valid IDs. (Social Security System)
For the SSS Funeral Benefit, the usual supporting documents include proof of SSS membership of the deceased, death certificate, and proof of payment or defrayal of funeral expenses. Online funeral claim uploads must be in acceptable image or PDF format and within SSS file-size limits. (Social Security System)
Step 5: Enroll a Disbursement Account
SSS commonly pays benefits through the claimant’s UMID card enrolled as ATM, PESONet participating bank account, e-wallet, remittance transfer company, or cash payout outlet, depending on the benefit and claimant circumstances. (Social Security System)
For online filing, the claimant usually needs an approved disbursement account enrolled through the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) in the My.SSS portal. (Social Security System)
Step 6: File Online if Eligible, Otherwise File Over the Counter
For the funeral benefit, SSS allows online filing for SSS member-claimants. Non-SSS member-claimants must file over the counter at an SSS branch. (Social Security System)
For the death benefit, SSS allows online filing for qualified dependent legal spouses who have an SS number and are registered in the My.SSS portal. However, some cases must still be filed over the counter, such as cases involving dependent children, mismatched death dates, in-process or settled death claims, work-related illness requiring EC evaluation, or invalid membership coverage. (Social Security System)
Step 7: Keep the Acknowledgment and Respond Quickly to SSS Requests
After filing, keep:
- Claim acknowledgment or transaction reference
- Email confirmation
- Screenshot of online submission
- List of uploaded documents
- Branch receiving copy, if filed over the counter
If SSS asks for additional documents, submit them promptly. A claim is often treated as incomplete until the missing or corrected document is received.
Documents Commonly Required
| Claim type | Basic documents | Common additional documents |
|---|---|---|
| Death Benefit — spouse | Death Claim Application, valid IDs, death certificate, disbursement account | PSA/LCR marriage certificate; foreign marriage certificate with English translation or Report of Marriage if married abroad |
| Death Benefit — children | Death certificate, IDs, disbursement account, proof of relationship | PSA/LCR birth certificates; foreign birth certificate or Report of Birth if born abroad |
| Death Benefit — parents | Death certificate, IDs, proof of relationship | Birth certificate of deceased member; death certificates of spouse/children if applicable; affidavit of dependency |
| Death Benefit — legal heirs | Death certificate, IDs, proof of relationship | Birth certificate of deceased member, joint affidavit, birth certificates of legal heirs, succession documents if required |
| Funeral Benefit | Funeral Claim Application, proof of SSS membership, death certificate, Official Receipt or proof of funeral expense | Waiver from spouse, affidavit of funeral expenses, CENOMAR, certification from funeral parlor or memorial plan provider |
SSS specifically lists additional requirements when primary beneficiaries are not reflected in the member’s SSS records or when there are discrepancies, such as PSA/LCR marriage certificates and birth certificates. For parents, SSS may require proof of dependency and other civil registry documents. (Social Security System)
If the claim is filed by an authorized representative, SSS may require valid IDs of both the claimant and representative plus a Letter of Authority or Special Power of Attorney. SSS notes that the LOA or SPA should have been executed within six months if made in the Philippines, or within one year if made abroad. (Social Security System)
Special Rules for Deaths Abroad and Foreign Claimants
If the deceased died abroad, SSS may accept a death certificate from the host country’s vital statistics office or the equivalent foreign authority, or a Report of Death issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General. (Social Security System)
If a foreign document is not in English, SSS may require an official English translation. For funeral claims, SSS states that a death certificate not written in English requires official English translation from the DFA or Philippine Embassy. (Social Security System)
For foreign spouses or foreign claimants, identity documents matter. SSS includes the Alien Certificate of Registration among accepted primary ID documents for claims. (Social Security System)
Foreign documents may also raise authentication issues. The Philippine Apostille system replaced the old “red ribbon” authentication process for many public documents, and the DFA’s Apostille guidance applies to documents that previously required DFA authentication. (Apostille Philippines)
Practical Timelines and Common Delays
A simple funeral claim with complete documents and an approved DAEM account may move faster than a death pension claim involving multiple beneficiaries. Death benefit claims often take longer because SSS must verify the rightful beneficiaries, contribution history, civil status, dependent children, and possible competing claims.
Common bottlenecks include:
- Mismatch between the deceased member’s SSS record and PSA records
- Different spellings of names on birth, marriage, death, and SSS documents
- Late-registered birth, marriage, or death certificates
- A spouse listed in SSS records but separated in real life
- A common-law partner filing despite the existence of a legal spouse
- Children not declared in the member’s SSS E-1/E-4 records
- Missing Official Receipt for funeral expenses
- Funeral receipt issued in the wrong person’s name
- Unposted or disputed employer contributions
- Work-related death requiring EC medical or employment evaluation
SSS itself recognizes that some death benefit applications require over-the-counter filing for thorough screening, especially where there are dependent children, work-related illness requiring EC evaluation, or coverage issues. (Social Security System)
Common Scenarios Families Face
The Deceased Member Was an OFW
An OFW’s family should gather the foreign death certificate, Report of Death if available, proof of SSS membership, and proof of relationship. If the claimant is abroad, filing may involve an SSS foreign office, embassy-issued documents, or a properly executed SPA for a representative in the Philippines.
The Spouse and Children Are Fighting Over the Claim
For the SSS Death Benefit, the spouse and dependent children may both be primary beneficiaries. For the funeral benefit, the key question is who paid the funeral expenses and whether the legal spouse has priority. If the receipt is in a child’s name but there is a surviving legal spouse, SSS may require a waiver, affidavit, or proof that the spouse did not pay or cannot be located. (Social Security System)
The Deceased Had an Illegitimate Child
Illegitimate dependent children may qualify as primary beneficiaries if they meet SSS dependency requirements. The practical issue is proof of filiation, usually through the birth certificate, acknowledgment, or other documents SSS may require.
The Member Died Because of a Work Accident or Occupational Disease
File the regular SSS death and funeral claims, but also check EC benefits. EC requires that the death be work-connected, that the employee was duly reported to SSS or properly covered, and that SSS was notified of the sickness, injury, or death. (Social Security System)
The Funeral Receipt Is Missing
SSS may accept alternatives in certain cases, such as a certified true copy of the Official Receipt or a certification from the funeral parlor or memorial service showing payment details. (Social Security System)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file both SSS death benefit and funeral benefit?
Yes. They are separate claims. The death benefit is for qualified beneficiaries, while the funeral benefit is for the person who paid the funeral expenses. A spouse may file both if qualified, but it is also possible for different people to file each claim.
How much is the SSS funeral benefit for a deceased member?
As of the current SSS guidelines, it is ₱20,000 to ₱60,000 if the member or pensioner paid at least 36 contributions up to the month of death, and ₱12,000 if the member paid at least 1 but fewer than 36 contributions. (Social Security System)
Who gets the SSS death pension, the spouse or the children?
Both may qualify as primary beneficiaries if they meet SSS requirements. The dependent legal spouse and dependent children are prioritized over secondary beneficiaries like parents. (Social Security System)
Can a common-law partner claim SSS death benefits?
A common-law partner is not treated as a legal spouse for SSS death pension purposes. However, a common-law partner who actually paid funeral expenses may attempt to claim the funeral benefit if SSS requirements are met and there is no higher-priority claimant blocking the claim.
Can I file an SSS death claim online?
Online filing is available for qualified dependent legal spouses who are also SSS members and registered in the My.SSS portal. Some cases still require over-the-counter filing, especially those involving dependent children, work-related death evaluation, coverage issues, or claim inconsistencies. (Social Security System)
Can I file an SSS funeral claim online?
Yes, if the claimant has an SS number, is registered in the SSS website, and has an approved disbursement account in DAEM. Non-SSS member-claimants must file over the counter at an SSS branch. (Social Security System)
What if the deceased member died abroad?
Prepare the foreign death certificate from the host country’s vital statistics office or the Report of Death from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General. If the document is not in English, prepare an official English translation. (Social Security System)
Is there a deadline for filing the SSS funeral benefit?
Yes. SSS Circular No. 2023-009 states that funeral benefit applications must be filed within 10 years from the month of death of the member or pensioner.
What if the employer did not remit the deceased employee’s SSS contributions?
The family should still file and bring employment proof such as payslips, company ID, certificate of employment, or other records showing the member’s employment and SSS number. SSS may need to verify employer reporting and posted contributions. This can delay processing, but it should not stop the family from initiating the claim.
Are EC benefits automatic if the member died while employed?
No. EC benefits require a work-connected sickness, injury, or death. The fact that the person was employed at the time of death is not enough by itself. SSS or EC evaluators look at the connection between the death and the work, employer reporting, medical records, and notice requirements. (Social Security System)
Key Takeaways
- The two main claims are SSS Death Benefit and SSS Funeral Benefit; they are separate and may have different claimants.
- The death benefit goes first to primary beneficiaries: the dependent legal spouse and qualified dependent children.
- The funeral benefit goes to the person who paid funeral expenses, subject to SSS priority rules and proof of payment.
- A member with at least 36 contributions before the semester of death may give qualified primary beneficiaries a monthly death pension; fewer contributions usually result in a lump sum.
- Funeral benefit is currently ₱20,000 to ₱60,000 for members with at least 36 contributions up to the month of death, or ₱12,000 for members with at least 1 but fewer than 36 contributions.
- Work-related deaths may qualify for separate Employees’ Compensation death and funeral benefits.
- The most common causes of delay are inconsistent names, missing PSA records, wrong claimant, missing funeral receipt, undeclared children, foreign documents, and unposted contributions.
- For deaths abroad, prepare the foreign death certificate, Report of Death if available, English translation if needed, and proper authorization if a representative will file in the Philippines.