SSS Disability Benefit for Hysterectomy (Philippines): Eligibility and Age Limits

General legal-information guide. Not a substitute for advice from counsel or direct confirmation with the Social Security System (SSS).

1) Snapshot

A hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) can qualify a covered SSS member for disability benefits if it results in a permanent impairment that reduces capacity to work. Depending on the facts, benefits may be paid as a monthly pension (for qualifying permanent disabilities with sufficient contributions) or as a lump-sum (if contribution conditions for a pension are not met). There is no age limit to claim an SSS disability benefit; entitlement depends on disability and contributions—not age.

Hysterectomy also commonly supports a sickness benefit (temporary income replacement during recovery). This article focuses on the disability benefit.

2) Legal Framework & Key Concepts

Coverage. Private-sector employees, self-employed, voluntary members, Kasambahay, and OFWs who are valid SSS members are potentially eligible.
Contingency. “Disability” under SSS rules may be total (Permanent Total Disability or “PTD/TPD”) or partial (Permanent Partial Disability or “PPD”).
Causation. SSS disability is payable whether or not the condition is work-related. (Work-related cases may additionally qualify under the separate Employees’ Compensation (EC) program.)
Semester of contingency. SSS determines eligibility and computation by reference to the “semester” when disability occurs; contributions before that semester are what count.
No double benefits for the same period. You cannot receive SSS sickness and disability benefits for the same days; nor disability and retirement for the same period.

3) How Hysterectomy Fits the Disability Rules

A. Not automatically “total”

A hysterectomy, by itself, does not automatically equal Permanent Total Disability because many individuals can return to gainful work after recovery.
It may be recognized as Permanent Partial Disability when the loss of an organ and its permanent effects result in lasting impairment (e.g., strength, stamina, pain, limitations from complications).

B. Case-by-case medical evaluation

SSS uses a medical schedule and impairment guidelines. Some body losses are expressly scheduled (e.g., fingers, limbs, eyes). For conditions not expressly listed (which is frequently the case with reproductive organs), SSS evaluates the degree of functional loss and approves a percentage rating or a number of compensable months for PPD.
Complications matter. Outcomes such as bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries) causing surgical menopause, severe pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pain, fistulae, or other permanent sequelae may increase the impairment rating.

C. When can hysterectomy lead to PTD?

PTD is reserved for very severe, enduring impairments (e.g., loss of two limbs, complete blindness, permanent paralysis). Hysterectomy would generally lead to PTD only if accompanied by other conditions that together render the member permanently and totally unable to perform any gainful occupation (e.g., advanced cancer with disabling treatment effects).

4) Eligibility Requirements

SSS membership & contributions
- You must be a covered SSS member at the time of disability (or with the disability traceable to a period of covered membership).
- For a monthly disability pension, SSS typically requires a minimum total number of posted contributions (commonly known as “36” in practice). If you have less than the minimum, you may still qualify for a lump-sum disability benefit.
- Contributions posted after the semester of disability don’t count for that claim.
Medical proof
- Core documents usually include: Disability Claim Application, Medical Certificate signed by your attending physician, operative record (hysterectomy note), discharge summary, histopathology report (if any), imaging/lab results, and follow-up clinic records showing permanent limitations or complications.
Employment status
- Employed members file with employer certification of last day of work and salary; self-employed/voluntary/OFW members file directly with SSS.
Age
- No minimum or maximum age bar. Disability entitlement is based on impairment and contributions, not age.

5) What You Can Receive

A. Monthly pension vs. lump-sum

Monthly Disability Pension (for qualifying PTD or PPD with sufficient contributions):
- Computed using your Average Monthly Salary Credit (AMSC) and Credited Years of Service (CYS), subject to statutory minimums and add-ons.
- If you have eligible minor dependents, a dependent’s pension (a percentage add-on per child, up to a statutory cap) may apply.
- A 13th-month disability pension is typically paid every December for pensioners.
Lump-sum Disability Benefit (for members with insufficient contributions for a pension):
- PTD: a one-time payment based on your AMSC and posted contributions.
- PPD: either a pension for a fixed number of months or a lump-sum equivalent, depending on your rating and SSS rules in force.

Note: Amount formulas and minimums are statutory and periodically adjusted by law, SSS circulars, and subsequent reforms. Always compute using the rules in effect when your disability occurs.

6) Age Limits and Interactions with Other Benefits

No age limit to file or receive disability benefits. A 25-year-old and a 58-year-old member are equally eligible if they meet the disability and contribution rules.
Retirement crossover. You cannot receive disability and retirement pensions for the same period. If you are on disability pension and later qualify for retirement (e.g., at 60 or 65), your disability pension typically ceases once retirement pension starts (subject to SSS procedures on conversion).
Dependents’ ages. The dependent’s pension is only for minor children (and certain permanently incapacitated/unmarried children), up to a statutory limit on the number of dependents counted.
Tax. SSS disability pensions/benefits are generally exempt from Philippine income tax under prevailing tax policy.

7) Filing Path: Step-by-Step

Stabilize and complete treatment. Secure hospital and operative records. Ask your surgeon to complete the SSS medical certificate with clear functional limitations and anticipated permanence (e.g., “permanent,” “no expected further recovery,” or “residuals after MMI”).
Document daily limitations. Note lasting restrictions (lifting, prolonged standing, pain, hot flushes and cognitive impact after oophorectomy, etc.) and how these impede your work.
Apply online or at a branch.
- My.SSS portal supports many disability applications. Some cases (especially complex ones) may require in-person evaluation.
Submit supporting evidence. Include operative and pathology reports, follow-up notes, and any independent evaluations (urogyne, oncology, endocrinology, pain clinic).
SSS medical evaluation. You may be scheduled for examination or interview. Attend as required; failure may delay or forfeit processing.
Decision & computation. If PPD, SSS will assign a rating (percentage or months). If PTD and contributions suffice, expect a pension; otherwise, lump-sum.
Re-examination / review.
- PTD pensioners are subject to periodic review. Engaging in substantial gainful work or medical recovery can lead to suspension/termination.
- PPD is usually for a fixed duration; after which the case closes unless you apply for re-evaluation based on new evidence of greater permanent impairment.

8) Coordinating Other Programs

Sickness Benefit (SSS): Most hysterectomy cases qualify for sickness benefit during the temporary incapacity/recovery period (subject to contributions and employer notification rules).
Employees’ Compensation (EC): If the hysterectomy is due to a work-related illness or injury, you may claim EC benefits (separate from SSS disability) for medical care and income replacement, subject to EC rules on compensability.
PhilHealth: Hospitalization and surgical costs are addressed through PhilHealth case rate benefits and HMO, if any; this is separate from SSS cash benefits.

9) Practical Scenarios

Simple hysterectomy, uncomplicated recovery. Often results in a sickness benefit only. A PPD award requires proof of permanent functional loss that affects work.
Hysterectomy + bilateral oophorectomy with lasting, severe menopausal symptoms (e.g., refractory vasomotor symptoms, cognitive dysfunction) documented by specialists and impacting job functions: may support a PPD rating.
Cancer requiring radical hysterectomy + adjuvant therapy with chronic complications (e.g., lymphedema, neuropathy, radiation cystitis/proctitis): may justify a higher PPD or, rarely, PTD if residual capacity for any gainful occupation is essentially lost.

10) Evidence That Strengthens a Hysterectomy-Based Claim

Operative report clearly describing the extent (total vs. subtotal, with/without oophorectomy).
Histopathology showing the underlying disease (e.g., malignancy, severe adenomyosis, fibroids).
Functional capacity evaluation (FCE) or detailed clinic notes connecting symptoms to work limitations (lifting thresholds, absence tolerance, cognitive side effects).
Occupational medicine opinion tying impairments to your actual job demands.
Consistency over time in follow-up records establishing permanence (maximum medical improvement).

11) Common Pitfalls

Assuming hysterectomy = automatic disability. It does not. You must prove permanent impairment affecting work.
Insufficient contributions for a pension. You may still get a lump-sum, but make sure your posted contributions are accurate (resolve posting gaps before filing).
Late or missing employer certifications (for employed members).
Skipping SSS medical evaluation appointments.
Overlapping claims (e.g., claiming sickness and disability for the same period).

12) Frequently Asked Points

Is there an age limit to claim? No. Eligibility turns on impairment and contributions, not age.
Can I still work after a PPD award? Generally yes; PPD compensates for permanent partial loss, not a total bar to work.
What if I’m already on disability pension and reach retirement age? You generally transition to retirement; concurrent payment for the same period is not allowed.
Are disability benefits taxable? SSS disability benefits are generally tax-exempt.
Can I re-apply if my condition worsens? Yes. New medical evidence showing greater permanent impairment can justify re-evaluation.

13) Checklist (Hysterectomy-Related Disability Claim)

Active SSS membership; contributions verified and posted
Disability Claim Application + Medical Certificate (physician-signed)
Operative record + discharge summary + histopathology
Specialist follow-ups showing permanent limitations at maximum medical improvement
Employer certifications (if employed) or self-declarations (if SE/voluntary/OFW)
Evidence of impact on job duties (FCE/occupational medicine notes)
Attendance at SSS medical evaluation and compliance with requests

14) Bottom Line

A hysterectomy can lead to an SSS disability benefit, but not automatically. The deciding factors are permanence and functional impact—as documented medically—plus your posted contributions, which determine whether you receive a pension or lump-sum.
There is no age limit to qualify.
Prepare comprehensive medical and occupational evidence to support the degree of impairment and file promptly.