Some 1.32 million retireeĀ pensioners of state-run Social Security System (SSS) are no longer required to report for theĀ Annual Confirmation of Pensioners Program (ACOP) or the yearly reporting to SSS to ensure the continuous payment of their monthly pension.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said 58.64 percent of the 2.3 million pensioners as of end-September 2017Ā will benefit from the removal of the ACOP compliance requirement forĀ retireeĀ pensioners based in the Philippines.
ACOPĀ requires pensioners to annually report to SSS to ensure the continuous payment of their benefits. It was implemented in 2012 to avoid circumstances wherein the rightful recipients are not receiving their monthly benefit.
All retirees residing outside the country, total disability, survivor pensioners, and dependent children and their guardian, meanwhile, are still required to comply with ACOP.
Based on SSS Circular No. 2017-012,Ā Ā the schedule of compliance forĀ retiree pensioners residing abroad and total disability pensioners isĀ on their birth month; survivor pensionersĀ on the birth month of the deceased member; while minor or incapacitatedĀ dependent pensioners should comply with their guardianĀ on the birth month of the member or deceased member.
Dooc clarified however, that pensioners basedĀ in the Philippines whoĀ are 85 years old and above are still required to comply with ACOP.Ā If in suchĀ casesĀ they can not comply with ACOP due to sickness, illness or injury, aĀ homeĀ visit byĀ SSS employees will be conducted.
Medical Fieldwork Service (MFS)Ā or the homeĀ visit by SSS doctors are also provided for total disability pensioners.
SSS reminded its pensioners that non-compliance with ACOP will result in the automatic suspension of their pension on the month after the birth monthĀ of the pensioner or SSS member.
As of end-September this year, total number of SSS pensioners stood at 2.31 million.
