05/10/2026
*NEWS RELEASE*
2 October 2026
*GSIS reaffirms stronger support for more than 600,000 pensioners*
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 marks Filipino Elderly Week (October 1–7). The week is observed annually under Presidential Proclamation No. 470 (s.1994).
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.
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.
“Our responsibility to our pensioners does not end when they retire. We must continue to protect their benefits and make our processes easier to navigate,” Veloso said.
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. In addition, the pension fund has abolished the cohabitation rule for survivorship pensions. Benefits are no longer suspended solely because a beneficiary lives with another partner. Termination now applies only when the beneficiary remarries.
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. As long as APIR is eventually completed, the cash gift remains intact.
Since July 13, the GSIS funeral benefit has been increased to PHP50,000 from PHP30,000. The benefit helps defray burial and funeral expenses of a deceased member or pensioner, with claims allowed within four years. A PHP10,000 benefit applies to qualified uniformed members of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Bureau of Fire Protection.
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.
“Technology should make government transactions simpler, not more complicated,” Veloso said. “For our pensioners, that means being able to complete more requirements from wherever they are, while retaining access to assistance when they need it.”
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.
For those who still need to visit a GSIS office, the GSIS Appointment Buddy provides a queueing option through a QR code. Clients can obtain their queue number and receive a text notification when it is their turn, allowing them to wait without standing in line.
“For our pensioners, ginhawa should mean more than receiving a pension. It should also mean clearer rules and transactions that respect their time and circumstances,” Veloso said.
As Filipino Elderly Week is observed nationwide, the GSIS said it will continue to strengthen programs that support the financial security and well-being of pensioners and retirees.
*END*
