SSS to raise pensions, roll out micro loans

Pensioners of the Social Security System are set to receive another round of pension increases, alongside the rollout of a new micro loan program intended to provide accessible and affordable financial support for daily needs.

The benefit upgrades follow what the Social Security System described as a historic milestone, with reserve funds surpassing PHP 1 trillion, the highest level in its 69-year history, alongside record-high net income and total assets.

SSS said the landmark financial performance will allow the agency to continue paying pensions in full and on time while granting benefit increases without raising member contributions.

“Dahil po dito sa napakagandang performance ng SSS, sigurado ang kanilang [SSS members] mga retirement pension, sigurado ang kanilang bukas. They can face their future with confidence,” Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission Chair Frederick D. Go said during a press conference on Feb. 26, 2026.

Go also said SSS posted PHP 142 billion in net income for fiscal year 2025, a result he said positioned SSS as the most profitable government-owned or -controlled corporation in the country.

Building on that financial footing, SSS will implement the next round of pension adjustments in September, granting a 10% annual increase for retirement and disability pensioners and a 5% annual increase for death and survivor pensioners.

SSS said another round of pension increases is scheduled for September 2027, continuing the planned adjustments.

Because the adjustments compound over a three-year implementation period, SSS said total pension increases from 2025 will range from 16% to 33%, depending on the pension type.

SSS also said it will launch a new micro pension loan program exclusively for pensioners in the coming months, allowing qualified borrowers to access between PHP 1,000 and PHP 20,000 under lower interest rates and shorter repayment terms.

The agency said the program is designed to provide timely financial support for senior citizens while shielding them from predatory lending and loan sharks, a persistent concern as informal, high-interest lending remains common in some communities.

SSS attributed the reserve fund growth, strong net income, and expanding asset base to prudent fund management and solid investment performance, saying the gains are translating into stronger benefits and more secure retirements for millions of Filipino workers.

SSS said members’ contributions remain protected, carefully managed, and ready to be returned when needed through benefits and pension payments.

With the milestone, SSS reiterated its message to members: Sigurado ang pensyon, sigurado ang benepisyo, sigurado ang bukas.