Claiming SSS benefits

Dear PAO,

My sister and I were the beneficiaries of my mother’s Social Security System (SSS) pension, as she was not married to my stepfather. When my mother died in 2001, my uncle took care of processing her burial and death benefits because at that time we were still minors. My uncle took my mother’s SSS identification card and our birth certificates in order to process my mother’s pension. But he has not been giving us the pension. I am now 22 years old and no longer entitled to the benefits, but I am concerned for my sister who is still in elementary. The financial benefits from our mother’s pension will help us support her studies. I was not able to seek assistance from SSS because I do not have the pertinent documents to prove that my mother is indeed an SSS member; I do not even know her SSS number. What we can do to claim the benefits due us in the first place. 

Ms. Galpao

Dear Ms. Galpao, 

There is no question that you and your sister are entitled to the aforementioned benefits when your mother died. In fact, you even wrote in your letter to us that the SSS has granted you and your sister those benefits. Unfortunately, your uncle was not remitting to you the said benefits. Nevertheless, you are not barred from informing the SSS of the situation with regard to your uncle. Justice dictates that you and your sister must be given what is due to you, being the only dependents of your deceased mother. 

What you can do is visit the SSS branch near your residence and report to them your concern. We are of the opinion that since you are now of legal age, you may stand as the guardian of your minor sister. You may, therefore, demand that the benefits to which your sister is still entitled to be given to you since you know the needs of your sister and you are in a better position to address those needs. 

Should the SSS require you to present documentations to prove that you and your sister are indeed the daughters of their former member, we suggest that you go to the National Statistics Office (NSO) and secure copies of your birth certificates. This will prove both your relationships with their deceased member. As to the fact that you do not know your mother’s SSS number, you may simply ask assistance from the SSS offices regarding this. You may inform them of the reason for your inquiry and you may also present your birth certificate to establish your assertions. These remedies should be able to help you with your problem. 

We hope that we were able to answer your queries. Please be advised that this opinion is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.  –Persida Acosta, Manila Times

Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net or via text message (key in: Times dearpao <YOUR QUESTION> and send to 2299).