SSS pensioners often worry that a missed Annual Confirmation of Pensioners requirement will suddenly stop their monthly pension. The key is first determining whether ACOP applies to you, then filing during the correct birth month using the proper form and verification method. Current options include personal filing, email, mail, video conference, a representative or home visit, and—since March 2026—online facial authentication for qualified pensioners registered with the National ID System. (Social Security System)

What Is the SSS Annual Confirmation of Pensioners Program?

The Annual Confirmation of Pensioners, commonly called ACOP, is the Social Security System’s yearly process for confirming that a pensioner:

Is still alive;
Remains qualified for the pension;
Has not experienced an event that suspends or ends entitlement, such as remarriage in certain survivor-pension cases;
Has accurate contact, address and identification records with SSS; and
Is the person—or authorized representative payee—actually receiving the pension.

ACOP is not a new pension application. It is a continuing-eligibility check intended to prevent wrongful payments while protecting qualified pensioners from unnecessary interruption of benefits.

The governing administrative rules are found mainly in SSS Circular No. 2023-013 on the revised ACOP guidelines, issued pursuant to Social Security Commission Resolution No. 367-s.2023.

Who Must Comply With SSS ACOP?

Not every SSS retirement pensioner must report every year.

Type of pensioner	Required to comply?	Regular ACOP schedule
Retirement pensioner residing in the Philippines, age 80 or older	Yes	Pensioner’s birth month
Retirement pensioner residing in the Philippines, below age 80	Generally no, unless specifically notified by SSS	Schedule stated by SSS
Retirement pensioner residing abroad	Yes, regardless of age	Pensioner’s birth month
Permanent total disability pensioner	Yes	Pensioner’s birth month
Surviving spouse or other death/survivor pensioner	Yes	Birth month of the deceased SSS member
Dependent minor or incapacitated child under guardianship	Yes	Birth month of the deceased member
New pensioner	Initial ACOP generally begins one year after approval of the pension claim	Applicable birth month

Retirement pensioners below 80 who live in the Philippines should not assume they are permanently exempt. SSS may still require ACOP under particular circumstances and must notify the pensioner. (Social Security System)

The most common scheduling mistake

A surviving spouse follows the deceased member’s birth month, not the surviving spouse’s own birth month.

For example, if the widow was born in May but the deceased SSS member was born in October, the regular ACOP schedule is October.

Can ACOP be filed early?

Yes. Early compliance is allowed beginning two months before the scheduled birth month.

A pensioner scheduled in December may therefore comply as early as October. Filing much earlier may cause the online transaction or submission to be rejected as premature.

Legal Basis for ACOP and Continuing Pension Eligibility

The basic law is Republic Act No. 11199, the Social Security Act of 2018, which took effect in 2019. It authorizes the Social Security Commission and SSS to administer retirement, disability and death benefits and to establish rules necessary to verify entitlement.

ACOP helps SSS determine whether legal conditions for payment continue to exist. Examples include:

A surviving spouse is generally a primary beneficiary only until remarriage.
Under the revised ACOP rules, remarriage or cohabitation may result in cancellation of a surviving spouse’s pension.
A total disability pension may be affected by recovery from the disability or resumption of employment.
A retirement pensioner below the applicable technical retirement age may have the pension suspended upon re-employment or resumption of self-employment.
A dependent child’s entitlement may end because of age, marriage, a common-law relationship, recovery from incapacity or gainful employment.

For ACOP purposes, the SSS circular describes gainful employment or self-employment of a dependent as regular work or income-generating activity lasting at least six continuous months in a year. A child who is not permanently incapacitated ordinarily ceases to qualify upon reaching age 21.

False declarations can have serious consequences

The ACOP forms require truthful disclosure about matters such as:

Remarriage or cohabitation;
Employment or self-employment;
The death of a pensioner or dependent;
Marriage or employment of a dependent child; and
Continuing disability or incapacity.

Section 28(a) of RA No. 11199 applies the penalties for falsification under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code to materially false statements, affidavits or documents submitted to obtain SSS benefits. Apart from criminal exposure, SSS may cancel the pension and recover benefits paid after entitlement ended. (Lawphil)

SSS ACOP Requirements

The exact documents depend on the pension type and method of compliance. Pensioners should download a fresh form from the official SSS forms page instead of reusing an old copy.

Use the correct ACOP form

SSS currently provides separate forms for:

Retirement or permanent total disability pensioners;
Surviving legal spouse pensioners; and
Representative payees of dependent minor or incapacitated children.

A person receiving more than one type of pension should generally accomplish one ACOP form for each pension type. (Social Security System)

Basic requirements

Most traditional ACOP submissions require:

Duly accomplished and signed ACOP form;
One acceptable primary identification document; or
Two secondary identification documents, both bearing signatures and at least one containing a photograph;
Current address, mobile number, email address and other contact information;
PhilSys Card Number or National ID information, if available; and
Additional proof of life or eligibility when filing by email, mail or representative.

Commonly accepted primary IDs listed in the current forms include:

Philippine Identification Card or National ID;
UMID card;
SSS card;
Passport;
Driver’s license;
Alien Certificate of Registration;
NBI clearance;
Postal ID;
Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book; and
Voter’s ID.

SSS may accept two other IDs when both contain the holder’s signature and at least one has a photograph.

Proof-of-life photograph for email, mail or representative filing

The pensioner may be required to submit a chest-level photograph showing either:

The pensioner holding a current newspaper, with the headline and publication date clearly visible; or
The pensioner beside a television screen showing a current news headline and date through a news ticker or crawler.

Under the current SSS webpage and July 2024 forms:

For email filing, the news date should be the same as the submission date.
For mail or courier filing, the news date should fall within the same month as the submission.

Older online copies of the ACOP rules may mention a three-day period. Following the more recent form and current SSS instructions reduces the risk of rejection. (Social Security System)

Additional requirements for disability pensioners

A permanent total disability pensioner may be asked for medical records supporting the continuing disability.

For disability pensioners abroad, SSS specifically lists:

A recent medical certificate from the attending physician or a government physician;
Complete physical-examination findings and current medical condition; and
A certified true copy of laboratory results performed within one year before the birth month, when applicable. (Social Security System)

Requirements for a dependent child under guardianship

Depending on the filing method, prepare:

The representative-payee ACOP form;
Valid ID of the guardian or representative payee;
The dependent child’s identification document, such as a school ID;
The child’s birth certificate if no ID is available; and
The child’s SS number if the child is 18 or older.

Surviving spouses and dependent children who are at least 18 must provide their SS number and the deceased member’s SS number. A pensioner without an SS number may be instructed to obtain one and register through My.SSS.

How to Comply With SSS ACOP

1. Online facial authentication through PhilSys

This is usually the fastest option for eligible pensioners. It does not require logging in to My.SSS.

The service announced in March 2026 covers pensioners registered with the National ID System who are:

Retirement pensioners age 80 or older residing in the Philippines;
Retirement pensioners residing abroad; or
Survivorship or death pensioners.

Permanent total disability pensioners and dependent children under guardianship were not included in the announced initial coverage and should use another approved method unless SSS later confirms expanded eligibility. (Social Security System)

To comply:

Go to the official SSS ACOP facial-authentication page.
Select the option to submit ACOP compliance.
Confirm that the pensioner is registered with the National ID System.
Read and accept the data-sharing consent and undertaking.
Enter the pensioner’s SS number and date of birth.
Confirm the displayed name.
If claiming a survivor pension, answer whether the surviving spouse has remarried.
Follow the PhilSys instructions and take a live facial scan using a camera-enabled phone, tablet or computer.
Save a screenshot or print the successful confirmation page, including the transaction number and next ACOP schedule.

The verification itself may take less than one minute when the pensioner’s SSS and PhilSys records match. If the system reports a mismatch, use personal filing, video conference, email, mail or a representative instead of repeatedly submitting inconsistent information. (Social Security System)

2. Personal appearance at an SSS office

The pensioner may submit the form and identification documents to the Member Services Section of an SSS branch or service office.

Permanent total disability pensioners may be directed to the branch’s Medical Evaluation Section or Physical Examination Center so that medical eligibility can be assessed.

Bring original IDs. SSS personnel may ask questions to verify identity, address, employment, disability, civil status or the status of dependent children. Use the SSS branch locator to confirm the nearest office. (Social Security System)

Some pensioners may also comply through a participating depository bank. Confirm first that the particular bank and branch currently process ACOP, because not every bank counter provides this service.

3. Filing through an authorized representative

A representative may submit the documents at an SSS branch when the pensioner cannot personally appear.

Prepare:

ACOP form originally signed by the pensioner;
If the pensioner cannot sign, the required thumb and index fingerprints;
One primary ID or two secondary IDs of the pensioner;
One primary ID or two secondary IDs of the representative;
Current proof-of-life photograph; and
Certification from the hospital, nursing facility, penitentiary, rehabilitation center or similar institution if the pensioner is confined.

The standard ACOP checklist does not automatically list a notarized special power of attorney as a universal requirement. However, SSS may require an authorization or additional proof when the representative’s identity or authority cannot be established. Fingerprinting must also be properly witnessed as instructed on the form.

4. Filing by email

Pensioners in the Philippines may email the corporate address of the appropriate SSS branch. Pensioners abroad may email the nearest SSS foreign office or the OFW Contact Services Section at ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph.

Use this subject format:

ACOP Compliance, Full Name of Pensioner

Attach clear PDF or image copies of:

Correct ACOP form;
Required IDs;
Same-day proof-of-life photograph;
Medical records, if applicable; and
Institution certification, if the pensioner is confined.

Send all pages of the form, including the instruction page when requested. Keep the sent email and attachments. A sent message alone is not conclusive proof that SSS accepted the submission, so watch for an acknowledgment, rejection notice or request for additional documents. (Social Security System)

5. Filing by mail or courier

For pensioners in the Philippines, address the submission to the head of the chosen SSS branch or service office.

For pensioners abroad, send it to the nearest SSS foreign representative office or to:

OFW Contact Services Section International Operations Group 11th Floor, SSS Main Office Diliman, Quezon City 1100 Philippines

Use a trackable courier, retain copies of everything and keep the delivery receipt. The proof-of-life photograph must comply with the current timing requirement for mailed submissions. (Social Security System)

6. Video conference through MS Teams or Viber

A pensioner may book an ACOP video appointment through My.SSS:

Log in to the Member Portal.
Choose Set Appointment under Quick Links.
Select Compliance to Annual Confirmation of Pensioners.
Choose ACOP through video conference.
Select MS Teams or another available channel, such as Viber.
Choose the region, branch, date and time.
Review and confirm the appointment.
Check the My.SSS inbox and registered email for confirmation.

A pensioner abroad should generally select:

Region: POEA & Foreign Offices;
Branch: OFW Contact Services Section; and
Preferred channel: MS Teams.

Have the original IDs, ACOP form and supporting documents ready during the call. SSS may require scanned documents after the interview. (Social Security System)

7. Requesting an SSS home visit

A home or institutional visit may be requested when the pensioner cannot use other methods because of severe illness, limited mobility, inability to speak, mental incapacity or similar circumstances.

Submit through email or a representative:

A signed letter explaining why a visit is necessary;
Copy of one primary ID or two secondary IDs of the pensioner; and
A clear sketch or directions to the home, hospital or institution.

Approval and scheduling depend on branch personnel, location, verification needs and availability. Request the visit well before the birth-month deadline. (Social Security System)

Special Rules for Pensioners and Foreign Nationals Abroad

A retirement pensioner living abroad remains covered by ACOP even if below age 80.

The easiest options are usually:

PhilSys facial authentication, if eligible and registered;
Scheduled video conference;
Email to the nearest foreign office or OFW Contact Services Section; or
Trackable mail or courier.

The standard ACOP checklist does not generally require notarization, consular authentication or an apostille for the ordinary form and ID copies. Do not incur those expenses unless the applicable SSS office requests them for a particular supporting document.

Foreign-government IDs written in another language should be accompanied by an official English translation from a Philippine Embassy or Consulate, in accordance with the instructions printed on the current ACOP forms.

Foreign office locations and contact channels can change, so verify them through the official SSS information page for overseas members before emailing or mailing documents. (Social Security System)

What Happens If You Miss the ACOP Deadline?

Failure to comply on schedule can result in automatic suspension of the monthly pension after the period specified by SSS following the applicable birth month.

Continued noncompliance for two years from the month of suspension may result in automatic cancellation of the pension record. Cancellation does not necessarily mean a qualified living pensioner permanently loses every accrued benefit, but reopening the account may require more extensive validation than an ordinary late ACOP filing. (Social Security System)

How long does pension resumption take?

The revised circular contemplates resumption within one month after valid compliance when no further verification is needed. The current public ACOP page advises pensioners that resumption may take up to two months.

For practical budgeting, use the more conservative two-month period. Additional investigation, a PhilSys or civil-registry mismatch, bank coordination or missing records can extend processing. Valid accrued pensions and amounts recalled from the depository bank should be credited once the pension is properly resumed.

Common ACOP Problems and How to Avoid Them

Using the wrong birth month

Survivor and dependent-child cases follow the deceased member’s birth month. Retirement and disability cases follow the pensioner’s own birth month.

Submitting an outdated form

Use the July 2024 or later form currently posted by SSS. Older forms may contain different photograph timing instructions or omit newer PhilSys fields.

Sending blurred or cropped documents

Scan the entire form and both sides of IDs where relevant. Check that names, dates, signatures, photographs and ID numbers are readable.

Leaving required fields blank

Write “N/A” or “Not Applicable” when instructed. Unexplained blanks may cause the form to be returned.

Failing to disclose remarriage, cohabitation or employment

ACOP is an eligibility declaration, not merely proof that the pensioner is alive. Concealing an event that affects entitlement may lead to cancellation, recovery of overpayments and possible legal proceedings.

Assuming that a sent email means acceptance

Check for an acknowledgment or successful confirmation. Save the email, attachments, transaction number and any response from SSS.

Mailing documents without tracking

A regular untracked envelope creates difficulty proving timely filing. Use registered mail or a trackable courier.

Waiting until the final days of the birth month

Photo defects, record mismatches and appointment shortages are common. Filing during the two-month early-compliance period provides time to correct deficiencies.

SSS ACOP Fees and Practical Processing Time

SSS does not charge a filing fee for ordinary ACOP compliance. The pensioner may still incur private expenses for:

Courier or registered mail;
Photocopying and printing;
Medical certification or laboratory records;
Official translation of foreign-language documents;
Transportation; and
Internet or video-call access.

The Citizen’s Charter classifies ACOP as a government-to-citizen service without an SSS processing fee. Actual completion time varies because published service times generally exclude queues, incomplete documents, home visits, medical evaluation and external verification. (Social Security System)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all SSS pensioners need to file ACOP every year?

No. Retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines who are below 80 are generally exempt unless SSS specifically requires them to comply. Retirement pensioners abroad, retirement pensioners age 80 or older in the Philippines, total disability pensioners, survivor pensioners and dependent children under guardianship are covered.

I am 75 and living in the Philippines. Do I need ACOP?

Generally, no, if you receive only a retirement pension and have not been notified by SSS. Follow any individual notice sent through your registered email, My.SSS inbox or other official channel.

I am 65 and living in Canada. Do I need ACOP?

Yes. Retirement pensioners residing abroad are required to comply regardless of age.

What month should a widow file ACOP?

The widow or surviving spouse normally files during the deceased SSS member’s birth month, not the widow’s birth month.

Can I complete SSS ACOP entirely online?

Qualified retirement and survivor pensioners registered with PhilSys may use facial authentication without logging in to My.SSS. Other pensioners may use a scheduled video conference or submit by email, subject to SSS verification.

What if facial authentication fails?

A failure often means the SSS and PhilSys records do not match or the live scan could not be validated. Use personal appearance, video conference, email, mail or representative filing and address any name or birth-date discrepancy separately.

Does the ACOP form need to be notarized?

The standard ACOP checklist does not require notarization of the ordinary form. SSS may request additional authenticated documents when identity, authority, civil status or a foreign-issued record requires further verification.

Can my child submit my ACOP documents for me?

Yes, representative filing is permitted. The representative must present the required IDs, the pensioner’s originally signed form or properly witnessed fingerprints, and any proof-of-life or institutional documents required by SSS.

Will I receive the missed pensions after late compliance?

If SSS confirms that you remained eligible, unpaid or recalled pensions should be credited when the pension is resumed. The current SSS guidance allows up to two months for resumption, although additional verification can delay payment.

What should a family do when an SSS pensioner dies?

The family should report the death promptly to SSS and provide the death certificate when available, together with proof of the informant’s relationship and identity. Continuing to withdraw pension payments after death can create an overpayment recoverable by SSS and may result in legal liability.

Key Takeaways

ACOP applies to specified pensioners; it is not required from every retirement pensioner.
Local retirement pensioners below 80 are generally exempt unless SSS notifies them.
Retirement pensioners abroad must comply regardless of age.
Survivor and dependent-child cases follow the deceased member’s birth month.
Early compliance is allowed up to two months before the scheduled month.
PhilSys facial authentication is available to qualified retirement and survivor pensioners.
Use the latest ACOP form and keep proof that SSS accepted the submission.
Missing the deadline can suspend the pension, while two years of continued noncompliance may lead to cancellation.
Disclose remarriage, cohabitation, employment, recovery from disability and other eligibility changes truthfully.
After valid late compliance, allow up to two months for pension resumption and crediting of eligible accrued payments.