State-run pension fund Social Security System (SSS) is set to roll out another round of pension increases and a new micro loan program after its reserve fund breached the P1-trillion mark for the first time in its 69-year history, the Department of Finance (DOF) announced Thursday.
The milestone underscores a banner year for the pension giant, which posted a record P142 billion in net income for fiscal year 2025, making it the country’s most profitable government-owned and -controlled corporation.
Total assets and reserves both climbed to historic highs, bolstering the fund’s long-term sustainability and strengthening its ability to deliver higher benefits without increasing member contributions.
Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission Chair Frederick D. Go said the fund’s performance translates directly into security for millions of Filipino retirees.
“Dahil po dito sa napakagandang performance ng SSS, sigurado ang kanilang mga retirement pension, sigurado ang kanilang bukas. They can face their future with confidence,” Go said during a press briefing.
Beginning September, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10 percent annual increase, while death and survivor pensioners will get a 5 percent hike. Another round of adjustments is scheduled for 2027. By then, cumulative increases from 2025 could range from 16 percent to 33 percent, depending on pension type.
Alongside the benefit hikes, SSS is preparing to launch a micro pension loan program that will allow qualified pensioners to borrow between P1,000 and P20,000 at concessional rates. The initiative aims to provide quick, affordable liquidity for seniors while shielding them from high-interest informal lenders.
With reserves now above P1 trillion, SSS is signaling that financial strength — not higher contributions — will fund a more secure retirement future.
