Families of deceased government workers and retirees will now receive P50,000 in funeral assistance from the Government Service Insurance System, up from the previous P30,000 payout.
The higher benefit covers a broad pool of members, according to the GSIS. Qualified active members, old-age pensioners, retirees, and separated members who remain entitled to future separation or retirement benefits are all eligible for the single lump-sum payment.
Only one qualified claimant may receive the P50,000, and the GSIS follows a set order in determining who collects it. The legitimate spouse holds first claim, followed by the legitimate child who covered the funeral costs. Should neither come forward, the payment goes to whoever can demonstrate that they paid for the burial.
Filing a claim requires paperwork tied to the claimant’s relationship with the deceased. Applicants must present the member’s death certificate, a valid government-issued ID, and any additional supporting documents. Those who are not the surviving spouse carry an extra requirement: they must prove they shouldered the funeral expenses.
GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso framed the increase as a commitment to members’ households during difficult moments. “Every family deserves support and dignity when they lose someone they love. Raising the funeral benefit to P50,000 means the GSIS stands beside our members’ families at the exact moment they need us most,” he said.
The pension fund expects the program to reach a large number of households, with roughly 21,000 to 25,000 families receiving funeral benefits each year. To sustain the payouts, the GSIS has earmarked P1.25 billion annually.
