SSS launches pension hike, new cards for faster benefits

The Social Security System (SSS) has begun implementing a major pension increase and introduced new benefit cards under the directive of Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission Chair Ralph G. Recto.

“Ang mga programang ito ang patunay ng totoong serbisyong publiko: Hindi dagdag abala, kundi dagdag ginhawa. Hindi lumang sistema, kundi makabagong solusyon. Hindi mabagal na proseso, kundi mabilis na aksyon,” Secretary Recto said.

SSS has launched the Pension Reform of 2025, its first-ever scheduled annual pension hike over a three-year period.

Approved by the SSS Board chaired by Recto, the reform grants a 10% yearly increase to retirement and disability pensioners and a 5% increase to death or survivor pensioners.

The pension increase, which began this September, will continue annually through 2027 and is projected to benefit around 3.8 million Filipino families.

Officials expect the additional income to stimulate economic activity by increasing household spending across the country.

To ensure faster and more convenient benefit disbursement, the SSS has also launched the MySSS Card as part of this reform initiative.

“Isang swipe mo lang, marami nang pakinabang. Gamit po ito, diretso at mabilis nang makukuha ng mga SSS members ang kanilang benefits, loans, at pensyon. Magagamit niyo rin po ito sa pamimili, pagbabayad ng pamasahe, at pang araw-araw na gastusin,” Secretary Recto said.

The MySSS Card will replace the Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card and serve as the official SSS identification for all members.

It comes equipped with enhanced security features, including an EMV chip, and utilizes PhilSys eVerify and biometric authentication to protect member data.

The card will be issued through partner banks—RCBC, AUB, China Bank, and UnionBank—and function as a bank account for direct disbursement of benefits and loans.

Holders can also use the card to make online or in-store purchases, providing flexibility and financial inclusion.

Eligible applicants must have an active social security number, a My.SSS Portal account with updated contact information, and be registered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or PhilSys.

To complement these reforms, Secretary Recto announced the upcoming launch of the Alagang SSS Discount Card for members aged 60 and above.

The card, part of a partnership with Unilab, Inc., will offer special discounts on Unilab products in all Watsons, Southstar, and Mercury Drugstores nationwide.

This health and wellness initiative seeks to reduce out-of-pocket costs for elderly members and expand SSS’s support beyond social protection.

“Lahat ng ito ay ginagawa natin para masigurong may dagdag saya at dagdag ginhawa ang bawat manggagawang Pilipino. Dahil sabi nga ng ating Pangulo, you deserve nothing but our love, our care, and our protection,” Recto said.

Secretary Recto also commended the SSS leadership and staff for their swift action in rolling out the reforms and delivering meaningful services to the Filipino workforce.