SSS Funeral Benefit Philippines: 2025-2026 Guide to Costs and Claims

Losing a loved one is an emotionally taxing experience, often compounded by the sudden financial burden of memorial services and interment. In the Philippines, the SSS funeral benefit serves as a vital safety net, designed to provide immediate financial relief to those who shoulder the expenses of a deceased member's burial. As we move into 2025 and 2026, understanding the updated "graduated" system of benefits is essential for ensuring your family receives the maximum possible reimbursement.

Whether you are currently navigating a loss or planning for the future, this guide breaks down the typical costs, eligibility requirements, and the step-by-step process for filing an SSS funeral grant.

Understanding the SSS Funeral Benefit in 2025

The Social Security System (SSS) has transitioned away from the old flat-rate system. Today, the amount of the SSS funeral grant is determined by two main factors: the number of monthly contributions posted and the Average Monthly Salary Credit (AMSC).

This graduated system ensures that long-term members who have contributed more to the fund receive a higher level of support. However, even new members are not left behind.

The Two-Tiered Benefit Structure

1. Fixed Benefit (₱12,000): This applies to members who have paid at least one (1) but fewer than 36 monthly contributions prior to the month of death. This is often relevant for young professionals or those who recently joined the private workforce.
2. Graduated Benefit (₱20,000 to ₱60,000): For members with 36 or more monthly contributions, the benefit is computed based on their contributions. The minimum for this group is ₱20,000, while the maximum cap is ₱60,000.

Typical Funeral Costs and SSS Coverage

While the SSS funeral benefit is a significant help, it rarely covers the entire cost of a modern funeral in the Philippines. Understanding the current market rates helps in managing expectations and financial planning.

For a deeper dive into how these prices vary by region, you can read our comprehensive guide on the Average Funeral Cost Philippines (Typical Costs and Cost Factors).

Eligibility: Who Can Claim the SSS Funeral Grant?

One of the most common misconceptions is that only the "legal spouse" can claim the benefit. In reality, the SSS prioritizes the person who actually paid for the services.

Requirements for the Deceased Member

To be eligible for the claim, the deceased must meet the following criteria:

• Must have at least one (1) posted monthly contribution.
• Was a member of the SSS (Private sector employee, self-employed, voluntary, or OFW).
• Was an SSS pensioner (retirement or total disability) at the time of death.

Requirements for the Claimant

The claimant is the person who paid for the funeral expenses. This could be:

• The surviving spouse.
• A child or parent of the deceased.
• Any other person (friend, sibling, or even a non-relative) who can provide the Official Receipt in their name.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing an SSS Death Claim

The SSS has modernized its filing process. Most claimants who are also SSS members must now file through the My.SSS Portal.

Step 1: Secure the Official Receipt (OR)

You must have a BIR-registered Official Receipt from the funeral parlor. A "Statement of Account" or "Provisional Receipt" will not be accepted.

Step 2: Enroll Your Disbursement Account

Before filing, log in to your My.SSS account and navigate to the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM). You must upload proof of your bank account, GCash, or Maya account. This is where the ₱12,000–₱60,000 will be deposited.

Step 3: File the Claim Online

1. Log in to My.SSS.
2. Go to the "Benefits" tab and select "Apply for Funeral Benefit."
3. Enter the deceased member's SS Number.
4. Upload the Death Certificate (PSA certified or local civil registrar copy).
5. Upload the Official Receipt of funeral expenses.

Step 4: Verification

The SSS typically processes claims within 15 to 30 days. You will receive an email or SMS notification once the benefit is credited to your enrolled account.

Real-World Examples

To better understand how the benefit is calculated and distributed, let's look at three common scenarios in 2025.

Example 1: The Long-Term Employee

Juan worked for a BPO company for 10 years and had 120 monthly contributions. His family spent ₱100,000 on a private burial. Because Juan had more than 36 contributions and a high AMSC, his family received the maximum ₱60,000 SSS funeral benefit. This covered 60% of their total costs.

Example 2: The New Member

Maria just started her first job and had only paid 5 months of contributions before an untimely passing. Her family opted for a ₱30,000 cremation. Since she had fewer than 36 contributions, the SSS paid a fixed ₱12,000. The family had to cover the remaining ₱18,000.

Example 3: The Pre-Need Memorial Plan

Ricardo had a St. Peter Life Plan that he had fully paid years ago. When he passed, his daughter used the plan for the service. Since there was no "new" receipt, she requested a "Certification of Availment" from the memorial plan provider. SSS accepted this in lieu of a receipt and reimbursed the computed benefit to the daughter.

The Employees’ Compensation (EC) Bonus

If the death occurred due to a work-related accident or illness (including deaths while commuting to or from work), the family is entitled to an additional benefit.

The Employees’ Compensation (EC) Funeral Benefit is currently set at ₱30,000. This is on top of whatever the regular SSS funeral grant provides. For a high-contributing member, the total funeral support could reach ₱90,000 (₱60,000 SSS + ₱30,000 EC).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many families miss out on their full benefits or face delays due to simple administrative errors.

1. Filing a Partial Receipt: If you only show a receipt for a ₱20,000 "down payment" when your computed benefit is ₱40,000, SSS will only give you ₱20,000. Wait until you have the Full Official Receipt to claim the maximum amount.
2. Confusing the Funeral Grant with the Death Benefit: The funeral grant is a one-time reimbursement for burial costs. The SSS Death Benefit is a separate monthly pension or lump sum paid to the primary beneficiaries (spouse and children). These require two different applications.
3. Missing the 10-Year Window: While the prescriptive period was recently extended from 5 to 10 years, many still believe they are ineligible if they didn't file within the first year. Even if the death occurred in 2020, you can still file in 2025.
4. Inconsistent Names: Ensure the name on the receipt matches your SSS records. If your name is "Maria Christina" but the receipt says "Tina," the system may flag it for manual verification, delaying payment by months.

Recent Trends and Future Updates (2025-2026)

The landscape of final expenses in the Philippines is changing. SSS policy is beginning to reflect these shifts:

• Digital Receipts: SSS now accepts electronic official receipts (e-ORs) from accredited digital funeral service providers.
• Green Burials: As "Aquamation" and eco-friendly burials gain traction in 2025, the SSS has clarified that any legal form of remains disposal is reimbursable, provided it is documented by a valid receipt.
• Legislative Changes: House Bills 1687 and 4070 are currently under deliberation. If passed, these could increase the minimum funeral grant to a flat ₱60,000 for all members regardless of contribution count, specifically to combat the rising inflation of memorial services.

For a broader look at planning for these costs, see our Funeral Costs Philippines Guide.

Conclusion

The SSS funeral benefit remains one of the most accessible and important social services for Filipino families. By understanding the graduated system—ranging from ₱12,000 to ₱60,000—and preparing your documentation correctly, you can significantly reduce the financial stress of saying goodbye.

Remember to prioritize getting a clear, accurate Official Receipt in your name and ensure your My.SSS disbursement account is ready. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, these benefits are a right you have earned through years of contribution.