How to File for GSIS Survivorship/Death Benefit
When a GSIS member or pensioner dies, their primary and secondary beneficiaries may claim survivorship benefits. This includes a survivorship pension, funeral benefit, and death cash benefit depending on the member's length of service and status at the time of death. The survivorship benefit ensures that the family of the deceased government employee continues to receive financial support through monthly pension payments and other forms of assistance administered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
Under Republic Act No. 8291 (GSIS Act of 1997), the survivorship benefit is one of the core social insurance benefits provided to the beneficiaries of GSIS members. The benefit is designed to provide continuing income to the surviving legal spouse, dependent children, and in some cases, dependent parents of the deceased member or pensioner.
Types of Survivorship/Death Benefits
Survivorship Pension
Monthly pension paid to the surviving legal spouse and/or dependent children. The survivorship pension is equivalent to 50% of the basic monthly pension of the deceased member. If the member was already receiving a retirement pension, the survivorship pension is 50% of the retirement pension amount.
Cash Payment (Separation)
A lump sum cash payment is provided if the deceased member had less than 15 years of service. If the member had less than 3 years of service, a smaller separation benefit based on total contributions is paid instead of the monthly pension.
Funeral Benefit
A cash grant of ₱20,000 for active members or ₱20,000 for retirees/pensioners to help cover burial and funeral expenses. This is paid to whoever shouldered the funeral costs of the deceased member.
Who Are the Beneficiaries?
GSIS follows a specific order of priority in determining who may receive survivorship benefits. Primary beneficiaries have first claim, followed by secondary beneficiaries if no primary beneficiaries exist.
Primary Beneficiaries
- Legal Spouse -- The surviving legal spouse of the deceased member is entitled to the survivorship pension until he or she remarries. The spouse must have been legally married to the member at the time of death.
- Dependent Children -- Legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted children who are unmarried and below 21 years of age. Children who are over 21 but incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to physical or mental disability may continue to receive the benefit beyond age 21.
Secondary Beneficiaries
- Dependent Parents -- The parents of the deceased member who were financially dependent on the member for support at the time of death. Secondary beneficiaries can only claim if there are no primary beneficiaries (no surviving legal spouse and no dependent children).
If there are no primary or secondary beneficiaries, the benefit may be paid to the legal heirs as determined by the court, or as designated in the member's GSIS records.
Step-by-Step: Filing the GSIS Survivorship/Death Benefit
The following steps outline the complete process for filing a survivorship/death benefit claim with GSIS. It is important to gather all necessary documents beforehand to avoid delays in processing.
Secure the Death Certificate
Obtain the PSA-issued death certificate of the deceased GSIS member or pensioner. You may also use the death certificate from the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) while waiting for the PSA copy. The death certificate must clearly state the cause, date, and place of death. Register the death with the LCRO as soon as possible after the member's passing.
Tip: You can request a PSA death certificate through PSAHelpline.ph, PSA Serbilis outlets, or the PSA office. Processing may take a few weeks, so start this step immediately. You can begin gathering other documents while waiting for the PSA copy.
Gather Required Documents
Collect all the necessary supporting documents for the survivorship claim. The primary documents include:
- PSA-issued or LCR death certificate of the member
- PSA-issued marriage certificate (if the surviving spouse is claiming)
- PSA-issued birth certificates of all dependent children
- Member's service record from the last employer (government agency)
- Valid government-issued IDs of the claimant(s)
- GSIS member's UMID/eCard (if available)
Important: Ensure all names and details on the documents are consistent. Any discrepancies between documents (e.g., spelling of names, dates) may cause delays in processing.
File the Survivorship Claim at GSIS
Visit the nearest GSIS branch office and file the survivorship/death benefit claim. You will need to fill out the appropriate GSIS claim forms at the branch. Alternatively, for the funeral benefit, you may file online through the eGSISMO portal at egsismo.gsis.gov.ph if you have an active online account.
Note: The funeral benefit can often be filed online through eGSISMO for faster processing. However, the survivorship pension claim typically requires a personal visit to a GSIS branch for document verification and processing.
Submit All Supporting Documents
Submit all the required supporting documents along with the completed claim forms. All documents must be original or certified true copies. Bring original documents for verification by GSIS personnel. Photocopies will be retained by GSIS for their records while originals will be returned to you.
The GSIS representative will review your documents on the spot and inform you if any additional documents are needed. You will receive an acknowledgment receipt confirming that your claim has been filed and is being processed.
GSIS Verification and Processing
After submission, GSIS will verify the beneficiary status of the claimants, review the member's service records and contribution history, and compute the applicable benefits. GSIS will also check if the deceased member had any outstanding loans that need to be deducted from the benefit. The verification process ensures that the correct beneficiaries receive the proper amount of benefits.
Outstanding Loans: If the deceased member had any outstanding GSIS loans (policy loan, emergency loan, etc.), the outstanding balance will be deducted from the life insurance proceeds or cash benefit before the survivorship benefit is released.
Funeral Benefit Release
The funeral benefit is usually the first benefit to be processed and released. It is typically processed within 5 to 10 working days from the date of filing with complete documents. The ₱20,000 funeral benefit is paid as a one-time lump sum to the person who shouldered the funeral expenses of the deceased member or pensioner.
The funeral benefit is released through the GSIS UMID/eCard, check, or direct bank deposit, depending on the arrangement with GSIS.
Survivorship Pension Approval and Release
Once all documents have been verified and the benefit computation is complete, GSIS will approve the survivorship pension. The monthly pension will be released through the member's UMID/eCard or via check, depending on the arrangement. The pension is paid monthly and continues as long as the beneficiaries remain qualified.
Monthly Release: The survivorship pension is deposited monthly into the beneficiary's designated account. The surviving spouse receives the pension until remarriage, while dependent children receive it until they turn 21 or until they marry, whichever comes first.
Benefits Computation
The following table summarizes how the GSIS survivorship benefits are computed based on the deceased member's service, status, and contributions.
| Benefit Type | Formula / Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Survivorship Pension | 50% of the Basic Monthly Pension (BMP) of the deceased member. The BMP is computed based on the member's years of service, revaluation factor, and average monthly compensation. | Member must have at least 15 years of service. Payable to surviving legal spouse and/or dependent children. |
| Cash Payment (Less than 15 years) | Lump sum equivalent to 100% of the Average Monthly Compensation (AMC) multiplied by the number of years of service. The minimum cash payment is based on total contributions. | Member had less than 15 years of service at the time of death. |
| Cash Payment (Less than 3 years) | Lump sum equivalent to 100% of the member's total contributions, including both employee and employer shares, plus applicable interest. | Member had less than 3 years of service at the time of death. |
| Funeral Benefit (Active Member) | Fixed amount of ₱20,000 paid as a one-time lump sum to whoever shouldered the funeral expenses. | Deceased was an active GSIS member at the time of death. |
| Funeral Benefit (Retiree/Pensioner) | Fixed amount of ₱20,000 paid as a one-time lump sum to whoever shouldered the funeral expenses. | Deceased was a GSIS retiree or pensioner at the time of death. |
| Survivorship Pension (from Retiree) | 50% of the monthly retirement pension that the deceased retiree was receiving. This is automatically adjusted if the retiree's pension was subject to revaluation. | Deceased was a GSIS retirement pensioner. Payable to surviving legal spouse and/or dependent children. |
Note: The Basic Monthly Pension (BMP) is computed using the formula: BMP = 37.5% x Revalued Average Monthly Compensation (RAMC) x Years of Service / 15. The survivorship pension is 50% of this BMP. Outstanding loans of the deceased member are deducted from the life insurance proceeds, not from the survivorship pension.
Documentary Requirements
The following documents are required when filing for GSIS survivorship/death benefit. Ensure all documents are original or certified true copies.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Death Certificate | PSA-issued or Local Civil Registrar death certificate of the deceased GSIS member or pensioner. Must clearly indicate the cause, date, and place of death. Original or certified true copy is required. |
| Marriage Certificate | PSA-issued marriage certificate of the deceased member and the surviving spouse. Required when the legal spouse is claiming the survivorship pension. Must be an original or certified true copy. |
| Birth Certificates of Dependents | PSA-issued birth certificates of all dependent children claiming the survivorship benefit. Used to establish the relationship to the deceased member and to verify the age of the dependents. |
| Service Record | Certified copy of the member's service record from the last government agency employer. This document shows the member's length of government service and is used to compute the survivorship benefit amount. |
| Member's GSIS Records | GSIS membership records including the member's GSIS BP (Billing and Premium) Number, UMID/eCard number, and any other GSIS identification. These help GSIS locate the member's account and verify contribution history. |
| Beneficiary Designation Form | The member's GSIS beneficiary designation form on file, which lists the designated beneficiaries. If this was not previously updated, GSIS will follow the order of priority under RA 8291 to determine eligible beneficiaries. |
| Valid IDs of Claimant(s) | At least two (2) valid government-issued IDs with photo and signature of each claimant (e.g., PhilSys/National ID, UMID, passport, driver's license, PRC ID, voter's ID). Bring originals and photocopies. |
| Additional Documents (if applicable) | Court order for legal guardianship (if minors are claiming); Affidavit of Guardianship; Medical certificate (for incapacitated children over 21); CENOMAR from PSA (if no surviving spouse); Adoption papers (if applicable); Official receipts for funeral expenses (for funeral benefit claim). |
Complete Example: The Reyes Family Files for Survivorship Benefit
Mr. Roberto Reyes, a government employee at the Department of Education (DepEd), passed away after 25 years of government service. He was 55 years old at the time of death. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Elena Reyes, and their two dependent children: Marco (age 18) and Sofia (age 15). Here is how the Reyes family files for and receives the GSIS survivorship benefit.
Member's Profile
Name: Roberto Reyes
Agency: Department of Education (DepEd)
Years of Service: 25 years
Last Monthly Salary: ₱35,000
Status at Death: Active member
Outstanding Loan: ₱50,000 (policy loan)
Gathering Documents
Elena immediately registers Roberto's death with the Local Civil Registrar and requests a PSA death certificate. She also gathers the following: her PSA marriage certificate, PSA birth certificates of Marco and Sofia, Roberto's service record from DepEd, Roberto's GSIS UMID card, and her own valid IDs. She also keeps the funeral receipts totaling ₱45,000.
Filing the Claim
Elena visits the nearest GSIS branch with all her documents. She fills out the survivorship claim forms and submits everything to the GSIS representative. The representative reviews the documents, confirms they are complete, and issues an acknowledgment receipt. Elena also files the funeral benefit claim at the same time.
Benefit Computation
GSIS processes the claim and computes the benefits. Since Roberto had 25 years of service (more than 15 years), his beneficiaries qualify for the survivorship pension. GSIS computes Roberto's Basic Monthly Pension (BMP) based on his years of service and average monthly compensation:
Computation:
Assume Roberto's Basic Monthly Pension (BMP) = ₱25,000/month
Survivorship Pension = 50% of BMP = 50% x ₱25,000
= ₱12,500 per month
Benefit Summary for the Reyes Family
Elena receives the survivorship pension of ₱12,500/month until she remarries. Marco and Sofia are also covered as dependent children. Marco will stop receiving benefits when he turns 21 (or if he marries earlier). Sofia will stop at age 21. The outstanding policy loan of ₱50,000 is deducted from Roberto's life insurance proceeds, not from the survivorship pension.
Processing Timeline for the Reyes Family
- Week 1-2: Elena gathers documents (death certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificates, service record)
- Week 3: Elena files the claim at GSIS and submits all documents
- Week 4-5: GSIS processes and releases the funeral benefit of ₱20,000
- Week 6-10: GSIS completes verification, computes benefits, and approves the survivorship pension
- Month 3 onward: Elena begins receiving the monthly survivorship pension of ₱12,500
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children continue receiving the survivorship pension after age 21?
Generally, dependent children stop receiving the survivorship pension when they turn 21 years old or when they get married, whichever comes first. However, children who are over 21 but incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to physical or mental disability may continue to receive the benefit beyond age 21. A medical certificate from a GSIS-accredited physician is required to certify the incapacity. The pension continues for as long as the incapacity persists.
What happens if there is no surviving legal spouse?
If there is no surviving legal spouse, the survivorship pension will be paid to the dependent children of the deceased member. A court-appointed legal guardian may be designated to manage the pension on behalf of minor children. If there are no dependent children either, the benefit goes to the secondary beneficiaries (dependent parents). If no primary or secondary beneficiaries exist, the benefit may be paid to the designated beneficiary or legal heirs as determined by the court.
Can common-law partners claim the survivorship benefit?
Under the GSIS Act of 1997 (RA 8291), the survivorship pension is payable to the legal spouse of the deceased member. Common-law partners or live-in partners are not recognized as primary beneficiaries for the survivorship pension unless there is a valid marriage. However, illegitimate children of the member who are duly acknowledged and registered may be entitled to benefits as dependent children. Common-law partners may only claim if they are designated as beneficiaries in the member's GSIS records and there are no other qualified primary or secondary beneficiaries.
What if the deceased member had outstanding GSIS loans?
If the deceased member had outstanding GSIS loans (such as a policy loan, emergency loan, or other loan programs), the outstanding balance will be deducted from the life insurance proceeds of the member, not from the survivorship pension. The life insurance benefit covers the cost of outstanding loans first. If the life insurance proceeds are not sufficient to cover the loan balance, the remaining amount may be deducted from other applicable benefits. The survivorship pension itself is generally not reduced by outstanding loans.
How long does the entire survivorship benefit processing take?
The processing time varies depending on the completeness of documents and the complexity of the claim. The funeral benefit is typically processed within 5 to 10 working days from filing with complete documents. The survivorship pension may take 30 to 60 working days or longer due to the verification of beneficiary status, service records, and benefit computation. Incomplete documents or discrepancies in records can significantly extend the processing time. It is advisable to submit complete and accurate documents to expedite the process.
What happens to the survivorship pension if the surviving spouse remarries?
If the surviving spouse remarries, the survivorship pension for the spouse will be terminated. However, if there are still qualified dependent children (unmarried and under 21, or incapacitated), the pension will continue to be paid for their benefit. The pension may be transferred to a court-appointed guardian or the children themselves if they are of legal age. Once all dependent children are no longer qualified (they turn 21, marry, or are no longer incapacitated), the survivorship pension ceases entirely.
Is there a prescriptive period for filing the survivorship benefit claim?
Under the GSIS Act of 1997, claims for survivorship benefits must be filed within a reasonable period after the death of the member. While GSIS does not strictly impose a specific deadline, it is strongly recommended to file the claim as soon as possible to avoid complications and to ensure that the beneficiaries can start receiving the monthly pension without unnecessary delay. Late filing may require additional documentation and justification for the delay.
Important Reminders
- File the claim as soon as possible: While there is no strict deadline, filing early ensures that beneficiaries can start receiving the survivorship pension and funeral benefit without delay. Gather all documents promptly after the member's death.
- Notify the member's agency: Inform the deceased member's government agency about the death so they can process the service record, stop salary payments, and prepare other necessary documents for the GSIS claim.
- Keep all funeral receipts: Official receipts for funeral expenses are required to claim the ₱20,000 funeral benefit. Make sure the receipts are in the name of the person who actually shouldered the funeral costs.
- Update GSIS beneficiary records regularly: Members should keep their GSIS beneficiary designation forms updated. This prevents complications and ensures that the correct beneficiaries receive the survivorship benefits without dispute.
- Outstanding loans are deducted from life insurance: Any outstanding GSIS loans of the deceased member will be deducted from the life insurance proceeds, not from the survivorship pension. The pension remains intact for the beneficiaries.
- Surviving spouse's pension ends upon remarriage: The survivorship pension for the surviving spouse is terminated upon remarriage. Dependent children may continue to receive the benefit through a legal guardian.
- Beware of fixers: File directly at any GSIS branch office. GSIS does not charge any processing fee for benefit claims. Do not transact with unauthorized individuals offering to expedite your claim for a fee.
- Check claim status through eGSISMO: You can monitor the status of your survivorship benefit claim through the eGSISMO portal or by visiting the GSIS branch where you filed the claim. You may also call the GSIS hotline for updates.
Need Help?
Contact GSIS
- GSIS Hotline: (02) 8847-4747
- GSIS Contact Center: (02) 8847-4747 (available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Email: contactus@gsis.gov.ph
- Website: www.gsis.gov.ph
- eGSISMO Portal: egsismo.gsis.gov.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (visit any GSIS branch nationwide)
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the GSIS branch you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest GSIS branch first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.