If your SSS pension was suspended, delayed, or you received a notice about “ACOP,” the important point is this: the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners is SSS’s way of checking whether a pensioner is still alive, still qualified, and still entitled to monthly pension payments. It is not a new pension application, but missing it can temporarily stop your pension. This guide explains who must comply, when to do it, the documents usually required, how pensioners in the Philippines or abroad can submit ACOP, and what to do if payments are already suspended.
What Is the SSS Annual Confirmation of Pensioners?
The Annual Confirmation of Pensioners, commonly called ACOP, is the yearly reporting requirement for certain SSS pensioners. SSS uses it to confirm continuing eligibility for pension benefits under Republic Act No. 11199, the Social Security Act of 2018.
The official SSS guidance describes ACOP as yearly reporting to ensure continuous payment of monthly pensions, subject to the pensioner’s continuing eligibility. You can review the official SSS page here: SSS ACOP Program official guide. (Social Security System)
In practical terms, ACOP answers questions such as:
- Is the pensioner still alive?
- Is the surviving spouse still unmarried and not cohabiting?
- Is the disability pensioner still qualified?
- Is the dependent child still eligible?
- Is the pension being received by the proper person?
- Has there been a change in address, contact details, guardian, or representative payee?
For many pensioners, especially elderly parents, OFWs who retired abroad, surviving spouses, and guardians of minor children, ACOP is a paperwork and identity-verification requirement that directly affects monthly household cash flow.
Legal Basis of ACOP in the Philippines
The main legal basis is Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, which governs SSS coverage, benefits, administration, and the protection of the Social Security Fund. You can read the law here: Republic Act No. 11199 on Lawphil. (Lawphil)
The current detailed ACOP rules are found in SSS Circular No. 2023-013, dated 21 December 2023, issued pursuant to Social Security Commission Resolution No. 367-s.2023. This circular revised the guidelines on who must comply, when compliance is due, acceptable methods of compliance, suspension or cancellation rules, and resumption of benefits. You can read the circular here: SSS Circular No. 2023-013 on revised ACOP guidelines.
ACOP also connects with other Philippine laws in practical ways:
- RA 11055, the Philippine Identification System Act, is relevant because SSS now allows certain pensioners to comply through PhilSys facial authentication and liveness verification. See: Republic Act No. 11055. (Lawphil)
- RA 10173, the Data Privacy Act of 2012, applies because ACOP involves personal information, IDs, contact details, biometrics, and verification data. See: Republic Act No. 10173. (Lawphil)
- False statements or falsified documents may lead to consequences under SSS rules and, depending on the facts, criminal laws on falsification or fraud. The ACOP forms themselves warn that false statements or falsified documents may create criminal liability under RA 11199 and related laws.
Who Must Comply With SSS ACOP?
Not every SSS pensioner is required to report every year.
Under the current SSS guidance, the following pensioners must comply with ACOP:
| Type of pensioner | Required to comply? | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines aged 80 and above | Yes | Required starting March 2024 |
| Retirement pensioners residing abroad | Yes | Applies regardless of age |
| Total disability pensioners | Yes | May require medical support if needed |
| Death or survivor pensioners | Yes | Includes surviving legal spouse pensioners |
| Dependent children under guardianship | Yes | Guardian or representative payee usually handles compliance |
| Retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines below 80 | Usually no | But SSS may require compliance under certain circumstances after notice |
SSS expressly states that retirement pensioners residing in the Philippines who are below 80 years old may still be required to comply if SSS determines it is necessary and notifies them. (Social Security System)
Example: Retired Parent Living in Quezon City
If your 74-year-old parent receives an ordinary SSS retirement pension and lives in the Philippines, they are generally not required to file ACOP every year unless SSS specifically requires it.
But if your parent is 82, ACOP applies.
Example: Retiree Living in Canada
If the pensioner is an SSS retirement pensioner living abroad, ACOP applies even if the pensioner is below 80.
Example: Surviving Spouse
A surviving spouse receiving an SSS death or survivor pension must comply with ACOP and must truthfully disclose whether they have remarried or are cohabiting with another person. The surviving spouse ACOP form includes a declaration of non-remarriage and non-cohabitation.
When Is ACOP Due?
The deadline depends on the type of pension.
| Pensioner type | ACOP schedule |
|---|---|
| Retirement pensioner | Birth month of the pensioner |
| Total disability pensioner | Birth month of the pensioner |
| Death or survivor pensioner | Birth month of the deceased SSS member |
| Dependent child under guardianship | Birth month of the member or deceased member |
For initial ACOP, the pensioner generally reports one year after approval of the retirement, total disability, or death pension benefit claim. SSS Circular No. 2023-013 also allows early ACOP compliance up to two months before the scheduled month.
Practical Rule
Do not wait for the last week of the birth month.
A safer approach is:
- Check the correct birth month.
- Prepare documents one to two months early.
- Submit ACOP early if allowed.
- Keep screenshots, email sent items, courier receipts, or appointment confirmation.
This matters because rejected or incomplete ACOP submissions can lead to pension suspension if not corrected on time.
How to Comply With ACOP: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Whether ACOP Applies to You
Identify the pension type:
- Retirement
- Total disability
- Death or survivor
- Dependent child under guardianship
Then check:
- Is the pensioner in the Philippines or abroad?
- Is the retirement pensioner aged 80 or above?
- Did SSS send a notice requiring compliance?
- Is the pension being received through a guardian or representative payee?
If the pensioner receives more than one type of pension, the SSS ACOP form instructions say to fill out one ACOP form for each type of pension.
Step 2: Download the Correct ACOP Form
SSS has different ACOP forms depending on the pension type. The official forms are available through the SSS download forms page. (Social Security System)
| Situation | Form to use |
|---|---|
| Retirement pensioner | Annual Confirmation of Pensioners for Retirement or Permanent Total Disability Pensioner |
| Permanent total disability pensioner | Annual Confirmation of Pensioners for Retirement or Permanent Total Disability Pensioner |
| Surviving legal spouse | Annual Confirmation of Pensioners for Surviving Legal Spouse Pensioner |
| Dependent minor or incapacitated child under representative payee | Annual Confirmation of Pensioners for Representative Payee of Dependent Child |
Fill out the form clearly, preferably in capital letters. Make sure the name, SS number, date of birth, mailing address, mobile number, and email address match SSS records as much as possible.
Step 3: Choose Your Method of Compliance
SSS allows several methods, depending on the pensioner’s situation:
| Method | Best for | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Facial authentication with liveness check | Eligible PhilSys-registered pensioners | No My.SSS login required |
| Personal appearance at SSS branch or service office | Pensioners who can travel | Bring original IDs |
| Depository bank certification | Pensioners whose bank participates | Bank representative fills out certification portion |
| Email submission | Pensioners who cannot easily visit | Attach scanned forms and IDs |
| Mail or courier | Pensioners without reliable internet | Keep proof of mailing |
| Authorized representative | Elderly, bedridden, or assisted pensioners | IDs of both pensioner and representative needed |
| Video conference | Commonly useful for pensioners abroad | Usually through MS Teams or SSS-prescribed platform |
| Home, hospital, penitentiary, or institution visit | Pensioners in the Philippines who cannot appear | Requires written request and supporting details |
SSS recognizes personal appearance, video conferencing, mail, email, representative filing, and other SSS-determined methods under the revised guidelines.
ACOP Through Facial Authentication and Liveness Verification
In 2026, SSS launched facial authentication with liveness check for ACOP. This allows eligible pensioners to comply online through a camera-enabled device using the PSA’s National ID eVerify system. SSS announced that the process is available to PhilSys-registered pensioners, including retirement pensioners aged 80 and above residing in the Philippines, retirement pensioners living abroad, and survivorship pensioners. (Social Security System)
You can access the official SSS instructions here: ACOP through facial authentication and liveness verification. (Social Security System)
Basic Steps
- Go to the SSS website.
- Click Submit ACOP Compliance.
- Confirm that you are registered in the National ID System.
- Read and accept the data sharing consent and undertaking.
- Enter the SS number and date of birth.
- Confirm the displayed name.
- For survivorship pensioners, answer the question on remarriage or non-remarriage.
- Complete the PhilSys liveness check by taking a live selfie.
- Save, screenshot, or print the confirmation page.
SSS states that pensioners do not need to log in to My.SSS for this facial authentication process. Pensioners without compatible devices may seek assistance at SSS branches through E-Centers, and traditional ACOP methods remain available. (Social Security System)
Common Problems With Facial Authentication
Many failed attempts are not legal problems. They are usually technical or record-matching problems.
Common issues include:
- Poor lighting
- Blurry camera
- Weak internet
- Face not centered
- Wearing sunglasses or face covering
- PhilSys record not matching SSS record
- Wrong date of birth format
- Pensioner not yet registered in PhilSys
- Name differences, such as maiden name, married name, suffix, or spelling variations
If facial authentication fails, use another SSS-approved ACOP method instead of waiting until the deadline passes.
Required Documents for ACOP
The required documents depend on the method of compliance and pension type, but most ACOP submissions require the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Duly accomplished ACOP form | Use the correct form for the pension type |
| Valid ID of pensioner | One primary ID or at least two secondary IDs |
| Valid ID of representative or guardian | Needed if filing through another person |
| Current proof-of-life photo | Usually required for email, mail, courier, or representative filing |
| Medical document | May be required for total disability pensioners |
| Institution certification | Needed if confined in a retirement home, hospital, nursing facility, penitentiary, correctional institution, rehabilitation center, or similar facility |
| Dependent child ID or birth certificate | Needed for dependent children under guardianship |
| Contact details | Mobile number, email, mailing address, and sometimes contact details of an immediate family member |
The official SSS ACOP forms list primary IDs such as UMID, SSS card, PhilID, Alien Certificate of Registration, driver’s license, passport, postal ID, and voter’s ID. They also allow two secondary IDs, generally requiring both to have signatures and at least one to have a photo.
The “Newspaper Photo” or TV News Crawler Requirement
For non-personal submissions, SSS commonly requires a chest-level photo or snapshot of the pensioner holding a current newspaper where the headline and date are clearly visible, or with a TV news crawler/ticker in the background showing the current headline and date.
Practical tips:
- The pensioner’s face must be clear.
- The date must be readable.
- The name of the newspaper or the news ticker should be visible.
- Do not crop out the pensioner’s hands if the instruction is to hold the newspaper.
- Use the most current date possible.
SSS’s public ACOP page states that, for email, the newspaper or news ticker date must be the same as the date of submission; for mail or courier, it should be within the timing allowed by SSS instructions. The circular annex also uses stricter timing in some methods, such as within three days for representative or mail filing, so the safest practice is to take the proof-of-life photo as close as possible to the actual submission date. (Social Security System)
How Pensioners Abroad Can Comply
Pensioners abroad can usually comply through:
- Facial authentication, if eligible and PhilSys-registered
- Video conference appointment
- Email submission to the appropriate SSS foreign office or OFW Contact Services Section
- Mail or courier
- Submission through an SSS foreign representative office, if available
For video conference, SSS instructions allow pensioners to set an appointment through the My.SSS portal. For pensioners abroad, SSS instructs users to choose ACOP through video conference, preferred channel MS Teams, region POEA & Foreign Offices, and branch OFW Contact Services Section. See: SSS ACOP video conference appointment guide. (Social Security System)
Foreign-Issued Documents
If a pensioner or beneficiary submits a foreign-issued death certificate, marriage record, guardianship document, or other public document, SSS may require additional validation depending on the document and country.
In practice, foreign documents may need:
- Apostille, if issued in an Apostille Convention country
- Consular authentication or legalization, if not covered by apostille rules
- Certified English translation, if the document is not in English or Filipino
- Clear proof of relationship, such as marriage certificate or birth certificate
For Philippine documents that need authentication for use abroad, see the DFA Apostille documentary requirements. For documents issued abroad and used in the Philippines, ask the issuing country’s authority, the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, or SSS what authentication format they require. (Apostille Philippines)
What Happens If You Do Not Comply With ACOP?
If a covered pensioner fails to comply on schedule, SSS may suspend the monthly pension.
SSS states that non-compliance results in suspension one month after the pensioner’s scheduled ACOP month. For example, if the pensioner’s ACOP month is July and no valid compliance is filed, suspension may occur after that schedule under SSS rules. SSS also states that the pension may be automatically cancelled after two years from the month of suspension. (Social Security System)
Suspension Is Not Always Permanent
A suspended pension can usually be resumed after proper compliance, if the pensioner is still qualified.
SSS’s public ACOP page says resumption shall be within two months from compliance, with recalled and accrued pensions credited to the pensioner’s account. SSS Circular No. 2023-013 states that resumption may be within one month from ACOP compliance or reporting to disprove the ground for suspension, unless further verification or bank coordination is needed. In real life, it is safer to expect around one to two months, longer if there are record discrepancies, bank issues, death-report questions, or further investigation. (Social Security System)
Reasons SSS May Suspend or Cancel a Pension
ACOP is not only about appearing once a year. It is also used to detect events that legally affect entitlement.
Common grounds include:
| Situation | Possible effect |
|---|---|
| Pensioner has died | Suspension or cancellation, depending on proof and reporting |
| Surviving spouse has remarried | Cancellation of survivor pension |
| Surviving spouse is cohabiting | Cancellation of survivor pension under SSS rules |
| Total disability pensioner has recovered | Cancellation or adjustment |
| Retirement pensioner below applicable age returns to work | Possible effect on eligibility |
| Dependent child reaches 21 and is not permanently incapacitated | Automatic cancellation |
| Dependent child marries or enters common-law relationship | Cancellation |
| Dependent child becomes gainfully employed or self-employed | Cancellation |
| Fraud or false documents are found | Suspension, cancellation, recovery, and possible legal action |
SSS Circular No. 2023-013 also allows SSS to conduct home visits, interviews, validation against SSS records, formal investigation, data matching with PSA civil registry records, PhilSys verification, and coordination with law enforcement authorities in fraud cases.
What Families Should Do When a Pensioner Dies
If an SSS pensioner dies, the family should not continue withdrawing the pension as if nothing happened. SSS may recall overpaid pensions from the bank or disbursement account.
A death report may be made through an SSS branch, foreign office, email, or mail, depending on the situation. The usual documents include:
| Reporter | Common documents |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Death certificate, marriage certificate, spouse’s ID |
| Child | Death certificate, child’s birth certificate, child’s ID |
| Parent | Death certificate, deceased member’s birth certificate, parent’s ID |
| Sibling | Death certificate, deceased member’s birth certificate, sibling’s birth certificate, sibling’s ID |
| Other informant | Letter reporting the death, death certificate if available, informant’s ID |
The circular’s Annex B lists documents for reporting the death of a pensioner, including proof of relationship and identification documents.
Common ACOP Mistakes That Delay or Suspend Pension
1. Following the wrong birth month
Survivor pensioners often think ACOP follows their own birth month. For a death or survivor pension, the schedule follows the birth month of the deceased SSS member, not the surviving spouse.
2. Submitting an old proof-of-life photo
A newspaper photo from last month may be rejected. Take a fresh photo close to the submission date.
3. Using unreadable scans
Blurry IDs, cropped forms, and unclear signatures are common reasons for problems. Scan or photograph documents in good lighting and check every page before sending.
4. Forgetting the representative’s ID
If a child, caregiver, or relative submits for the pensioner, SSS normally needs IDs of both the pensioner and representative.
5. Not checking email replies
SSS may reply that documents are incomplete. If nobody checks the email inbox or spam folder, the pensioner may think compliance was successful when it was not.
6. Assuming bank appearance is enough
If compliance is through a depository bank, make sure the bank representative properly completes the bank certification portion of the ACOP form. The ACOP form instructions state that the bank submits scanned copies to SSS within five working days when compliance is through the bank.
7. Not updating contact details
If SSS has an old address, inactive email, or lost SIM number, notices may not reach the pensioner. ACOP is also an opportunity to correct contact information.
8. Letting a suspended pension sit for years
Continued non-compliance may result in cancellation after two years from suspension. Fix suspension issues as early as possible.
Practical Checklist Before Submitting ACOP
Before sending or appearing, check the following:
- Correct ACOP form
- Correct pension type
- Complete SS number and date of birth
- Current mailing address
- Active mobile number and email
- Signature or fingerprint if the pensioner cannot sign
- ID of pensioner
- ID of representative or guardian, if applicable
- Proof-of-life photo, if required
- Medical document, if disability-related and requested
- Institution certification, if confined
- Proof of relationship, if death reporting or dependent issue is involved
- Screenshot, email copy, appointment confirmation, courier receipt, or receiving copy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all SSS pensioners need to file ACOP every year?
No. The main covered groups are retirement pensioners in the Philippines aged 80 and above, retirement pensioners abroad, total disability pensioners, death or survivor pensioners, and dependent children under guardianship. Retirement pensioners in the Philippines below 80 are generally not required unless SSS specifically notifies them.
What month should I file SSS ACOP?
For retirement and total disability pensioners, use the pensioner’s birth month. For death or survivor pensioners, use the deceased member’s birth month. For dependent children under guardianship, use the birth month of the member or deceased member.
Can I file ACOP before my birth month?
Yes. SSS Circular No. 2023-013 allows early ACOP compliance up to two months before the scheduled month.
What happens if my SSS pension is suspended because of ACOP?
Submit proper ACOP compliance as soon as possible. If you are still qualified, SSS may resume the pension and credit unpaid or recalled pensions to the disbursement account. Expect processing to take around one to two months, or longer if additional verification is needed.
Can a family member submit ACOP for an elderly pensioner?
Yes, if the method used allows representative filing. The representative should prepare the pensioner’s ACOP form, the pensioner’s ID, the representative’s ID, and any required proof-of-life photo or supporting document.
Is the newspaper photo always required?
Not always. If the pensioner appears personally, completes facial authentication, or complies through video conference, a newspaper photo may not be needed. It is commonly required for email, mail, courier, or representative submissions where SSS needs proof that the pensioner is alive at the time of filing.
Can pensioners abroad comply without going home to the Philippines?
Yes. Pensioners abroad may use facial authentication if eligible, video conference, email, mail, courier, or SSS foreign office channels. Video conference appointments are commonly done through MS Teams using the SSS appointment system.
What if the surviving spouse has remarried?
A surviving spouse who remarries is no longer entitled to continue receiving the survivor pension. The surviving spouse ACOP form specifically requires disclosure of remarriage or cohabitation.
What if the pensioner is bedridden or confined in a hospital?
Use representative filing, email, mail, or request an SSS home or institution visit if available. Prepare a written request explaining the pensioner’s condition, IDs, and certification from the hospital, nursing facility, retirement home, correctional institution, or similar facility.
Does ACOP have a filing fee?
SSS ACOP itself is an administrative compliance process. Pensioners should watch out for fixers. However, there may be practical costs such as printing, photocopying, scanning, courier fees, translation, notarization, or authentication of foreign documents when required.
Key Takeaways
- ACOP is required only for specific SSS pensioners, not automatically for every retiree.
- Retirement pensioners in the Philippines aged 80 and above, retirement pensioners abroad, total disability pensioners, survivor pensioners, and dependent children under guardianship must comply.
- The schedule depends on the pension type: the pensioner’s birth month for retirement and disability, but the deceased member’s birth month for survivor pensions.
- Early compliance is allowed up to two months before the scheduled month.
- Facial authentication with liveness check is now available for eligible PhilSys-registered pensioners.
- Incomplete or late ACOP can suspend the monthly pension, and continued non-compliance can lead to cancellation after two years.
- Suspended pensions can usually be resumed after valid compliance if the pensioner remains qualified.
- Keep proof of submission—screenshots, email records, appointment confirmations, courier receipts, or receiving copies—because these are often crucial when following up with SSS.