By Tracy Cabrera
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) reaffirmed its commitment to provide greater financial security and more accessible services to retired government workers as it celebrates National Pensioners’ Week.
According to GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo ‘Wick’ Veloso, the latest move highlights the expanding range of benefits, financial assistance, insurance, housing and digital services available to pensioners.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., through Proclamation No. 1020, declared the second week of September of every year as National Pensioners’ Week in recognition of the valuable contribution of GSIS and SSS pensioners to national development.
The proclamation directs GSIS as well as the Social Security System (SSS) to lead the annual observance and identify programs, activities and projects for pensioners.
GM Veloso cited that the directive is being translated into concrete programs that provide pensioners with stronger financial protection, more options to manage their needs and easier access to GSIS services.
“Ang ating mga pensionado ay naglaan ng malaking bahagi ng kanilang buhay sa paglilingkod sa bayan. Kaya ang pagkilala sa kanila ay hindi lamang isang selebrasyon. Isinasagawa natin ito sa pamamagitan ng mga programang nagbibigay sa kanila ng mas maraming benepisyo, financial options at mas madaling access sa serbisyo ng GSIS,” he cited.
Under the agency’ s Ginhawa for All Grand or GFAL Grand package for pensioners and surviving spouses, GSIS provides old-age pension, survivorship pension, pension increases, Christmas Cash Gift, Milestone Benefits and funeral benefits.
Qualified pensioners may also avail themselves of pension loans, pensioners’ emergency loans and the Choice of Loan Amortization Schedule for Pensioners or CLASP.
Among the latest enhancements is the increase in the funeral benefit from ₱30,000 to ₱50,000 for qualified members and pensioners for claims arising from deaths occurring on or after July 13, 2026.
GSIS has also strengthened survivorship protection by removing the previous cap on the survivorship pension. Qualified surviving spouses may receive the full benefit equivalent to 50% of the deceased member or pensioner’s pension.
Cohabitation is also no longer a ground for stopping the survivorship pension, while remarriage remains a ground for termination.
The annual Christmas Cash Gift has likewise been expanded. Beginning in 2025, qualified pro-rata pensioners and pensioners under the Portability Law were included for the first time. Eligible pensioners receive an amount equivalent to one month’s pension or ₱10,000, whichever is lower, subject to program rules.
Qualified old-age and disability pensioners in areas declared under a state of calamity may also avail themselves of the GSIS Emergency Loan, subject to applicable program requirements. GSIS has continued to open emergency loan windows in affected areas to provide financial assistance to qualified members and pensioners.
GSIS has likewise provided financial relief through Balik Ginhawa or the Loan Moratorium Through Refund, which allows qualified members and pensioners with eligible existing loans to receive refunds corresponding to covered loan amortizations without having to take out another loan. Applications are made through GSIS Touch and may be submitted until October 31, 2026, subject to program guidelines.
