SSS Pension Requirements For Voluntary Members

You work, earn, help the family, maybe send your kids to school, but who takes care of you when you’re older? That’s where SSS pension comes in. If you’re a voluntary member, meaning you’re paying SSS on your own (no employer involved), this guide is for you.

This isn’t some “Google-style” article. This is the same advice your kuya, tito, or kapitbahay would give you after years of paying SSS themselves.

What Exactly is a Voluntary Member?

A voluntary member is someone who decides to keep paying SSS even without a regular employer.

Let’s say you quit your job to start a small business. Or maybe you’re an OFW. Maybe you’re just selling online now. As long as you’re paying your SSS monthly on your own, you’re a voluntary member.

It’s simple. No fancy terms needed.

Why Bother Paying SSS If You’re No Longer Employed?

Because let’s be honest, nobody wants to get old broke.

If you want at least a guaranteed monthly income when you’re 60 or 65, then the SSS pension is your fallback.

It’s not going to make you rich, but it’s better than zero. Think of it as extra money for medicines, groceries, and everyday expenses when you no longer work full-time.

Here’s What You Need to Claim Your SSS Pension (Voluntary Members)

Forget the complicated blogs online. Here’s the straightforward list:

What Documents Do You Need?

Here’s your checklist, no fluff, just the real deal.

• Retirement Claim Application Form
  Get this online at My.SSS or from the SSS branch.

• Valid ID
  Preferably UMID. If not, use a passport, driver’s license, voter’s ID, or PRC ID.

• Birth Certificate
  PSA copy if possible. If not, your baptismal certificate works—just make sure it’s official.

• Marriage Certificate
  Only if you’re married. If not, skip this part.

• Proof of Contributions
  Log in to My.SSS and check if you’ve reached 120 months. Print a copy if you want.

• Bank Enrollment
  You need to enroll your bank account in My.SSS. SSS doesn’t pay by cash anymore.
  Accepted banks: BDO, BPI, Landbank, Metrobank, PNB, almost all major banks are okay.

How Do You Apply?

You’ve got two ways:

1. Online Application

If you hate long lines (who doesn’t?), just apply online.

Steps:

1. Go to sss.gov.ph.

2. Log in to My.SSS.

3. Click “Apply for Retirement Benefit” under E-Services.

4. Fill in the form.

5. Upload your documents.

6. Submit and wait for their text or email update.

2. Walk-In Application

Prefer talking to a real person? No problem. Go to your nearest SSS branch.

Heads-up:
If you don’t like waiting, go early. Before 9 AM is your best bet, especially in crowded branches like Makati, Quezon City, Cebu, or Davao.

How Much Will You Actually Get?

Your pension depends on how much you paid and how long you paid.

Here’s a rough idea:

What If You Don’t Have 120 Months?

If you didn’t reach 10 years of payments, you won’t get the monthly pension.

But you’ll still get a lump sum refund. That’s basically all the money you paid, plus some small interest.

Real Talk FAQs

I Stopped Paying for Years. Can I Still Apply?

Yes.
Even if you stopped paying for a long time, as long as you completed 120 total payments, you’re still eligible.

What About OFWs?

Same process.
OFWs usually pay as voluntary members too. Just make sure your SSS account is updated.

Can I Get Both GSIS and SSS Pension?

If you worked both government and private jobs before, you can claim from both.
But you need to apply for each separately.

When’s the Earliest I Can Apply?

You can apply as early as 60 years old.
If you want to wait for the full retirement, that’s at 65.

Last Reminder: Secure Your Future Now

If you’re running a business, freelancing, selling online, working abroad, or just hustling on your own—you need to prepare for retirement.

Don’t wait until you’re 60 to figure this out. Start now. Finish your 120 payments. Pay more if you can, so your future pension is bigger.