SSS to Roll Out Historic Pension Reform Program Starting September 2025 Three-Year Pension Increase to Benefit All Types of Pensioners


by Erick Silverio
The Social Security System (SSS) will implement a landmark Pension Reform Program starting September 2025, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and following the discussion of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto with the President on the matter.  Supported by comprehensive actuarial studies, the program features a structured, three-year increase in pensions for all SSS pensioners – the first multi-year adjustment of its kind in the institution’s 68-year history.
 
The SSS Pension Reform Program was approved by the Social Security Commission (SSC) under Resolution No. 340-s.2025 dated 11 July 2025.  Corresponding SSS Circular on the Program shall be published accordingly in a newspaper of general circulation.
 
Anchored on Republic Act No. 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018), particularly Section 4 empowering the SSC to adjust pension benefits, this reform answers the long-standing call for higher pensions while ensuring the fund’s long-term stability.
 
“We’ve heard the clamor for higher pensions loud and clear,” said SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. De Claro. “With the guidance of Finance Secretary and SSC Chairperson Ralph G. Recto, and after careful actuarial review, we are rolling out a rational and sustainable pension increase that uplifts all pensioners without compromising the fund’s actuarial soundness.”
 
Pension Increases from 2025 to 2027
 
The increases will be implemented in three annual tranches every September:
 
  • September 2025 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2025):
    • 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners
    • 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners
 
  • September 2026 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2026):
    • Additional 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners
    • Additional 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners
 
  • September 2027 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2027):
    • Additional 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners
    • Additional 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners
 
After three years, pensions will have increased by approximately 33% for retirement/disability pensioners and 16% for death/survivor pensioners.
 
Sample Pension Increases (2025-2027)
 
The table below illustrates the estimated pension increases for sample cases over the three-year implementation period (2025–2027).
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