THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is reaffirming its commitment to pensioners and retirees through measures that strengthen financial protection and broaden access, as the nation marked Filipino Elderly Week on Oct. 1 to 7. The week is observed annually under Presidential Proclamation 470 (s.1994).
COMMITMENT BEYOND RETIREMENT Aside from providing benefits and services, GSIS remains dedicated to staying connected with the people it serves. In a recent event, GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso personally touched base with pensioners, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and financial security of over 600,000 retirees nationwide. PHOTO FROM GSIS
These initiatives, which are already in place, include reforms to survivorship pensions, more flexible rules for the Christmas cash gift, a higher funeral benefit, fully digital pension applications, and new options for pensioners to update their contact information without visiting a GSIS office.
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GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said the programs reflect the pension fund’s continuing effort to make retirement benefits more responsive to the needs of pensioners and their families.
The GSIS has lifted the cap on survivorship pensions. Qualified surviving spouses may now receive the full 50 percent of their partner’s pension regardless of the amount.
The GSIS has also eased the rules on the Christmas cash gift. Pensioners who fail to complete their Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation (APIR) by April, no longer automatically lose the benefit.
Since July 13, the GSIS funeral benefit has been increased to P50,000 from P30,000. The benefit helps defray burial and funeral expenses of a deceased member or pensioner, with claims allowed within four years.
Retirees can now apply for their pension through the GSIS Touch mobile app without visiting an office. The app also allows pensioners to complete APIR, apply for loans and access other GSIS programs remotely.
The GSIS is encouraging pensioners to keep their contact information current to receive important notices and updates. Records may be updated over the counter, through the GSIS Touch app, via Agency Authorized Officers, or by submitting a Member Request Form through mail, courier or email.