GSIS Survivorship Benefit: Ensuring Financial Security for Loved Ones
In the Philippines, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) plays a vital role in providing social security to its members. With retirement being a significant milestone for many Filipinos, the GSIS Survivorship Benefit offers a sense of financial security to the beneficiaries of deceased GSIS members. This benefit ensures that the surviving loved ones do not face financial hardship after the pensioner's demise. Let's delve deeper into the features and requirements of this valuable benefit.
Understanding the GSIS Survivorship Benefit
The GSIS Survivorship Benefit is designed to provide a portion of the monthly pension that the deceased GSIS member was receiving to their beneficiaries. The Government Service Insurance System recognizes that the pension is an earned right, not a privilege. Hence, it is committed to supporting the surviving family members during their time of need.
Primary and Secondary Beneficiaries
The primary beneficiaries of the GSIS Survivorship Benefit are the surviving spouse and children of the deceased GSIS pensioner. In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the benefit may be granted to the living parents of the pensioner, who are considered secondary beneficiaries.
Benefit Amount
According to the GSIS, the surviving spouse is entitled to receive 50% of the basic minimum pension received by the deceased member or pensioner. Additionally, minor children are eligible for a monthly pension equivalent to 10% of the basic minimum pension until they reach the age of majority. However, it's important to note that the dependent spouse's pension ceases if they remarry, cohabit, or engage in a common-law relationship.
Claiming the GSIS Survivorship Benefit
To claim the GSIS Survivorship Benefit, the legal beneficiaries must submit the necessary documents to the GSIS. The required documents vary depending on the marital status and circumstances of the deceased member. Here are the documents needed for different scenarios:
If Married:
- GSIS Survivorship Benefit Application Form
- Certification by agency/employer regarding pending administrative/criminal cases of the deceased member
- PSA Death Certificate of member/pensioner
- Last Day of Actual Service
- Two (2) valid IDs of payees
- PSA Marriage Certificate between the deceased and spouse
- PSA Birth Certificate of spouse (if spouse is not a GSIS member)
- PSA Birth Certificate/s of minor/incapacitated children
- Affidavit of Guardianship (if applicable)
- Certification from the Barangay and DSWD (if the legal guardian is not the natural parent)
If Single:
- GSIS Survivorship Benefit Application Form
- Certification by agency/employer regarding pending administrative/criminal cases of the deceased member
- PSA Death Certificate of member/pensioner
- Last Day of Actual Service
- Two (2) valid IDs of payees
- Affidavit of Guardianship (if applicable)
- Certification from the Barangay and DSWD (if the legal guardian is not the natural parent)
- PSA Birth Certificate of guardian (if the guardian is not a GSIS member)
If Without Spouse and Children but with Living Parents:
- GSIS Survivorship Benefit Application Form
- Certification by agency/employer regarding pending administrative/criminal cases of the deceased member
- PSA Death Certificate of member/pensioner
- Last Day of Actual Service
- Two (2) valid IDs of payees
- PSA Birth Certificate of member
- PSA Marriage Certificate of member's parents
- PSA Birth Certificate of member's parents (if parents are not GSIS members/pensioners)
The GSIS Survivorship Benefit serves as a lifeline for the surviving beneficiaries of deceased GSIS members. It ensures that the loved ones are not left empty-handed and can maintain their financial stability. By providing a portion of the monthly pension, the GSIS demonstrates its commitment to supporting its members' families during difficult times. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to claim this benefit, make sure to gather the necessary documents and submit them to the GSIS for a smooth process.
Sources:
- GSIS Official Website (www.gsis.gov.ph)