If you’ve been relying on your monthly SSS pension, here’s some news that might bring a little relief. Starting September 2025, the Philippines will begin rolling out a structured pension increase under the Pension Reform Program. For the first time, pensioners won’t have to wonder when the next hike is coming — instead, a clear three-year plan is already in place.
This adjustment will touch the lives of more than 3.8 million retirees, persons with disabilities, and surviving family members. And the best part? You don’t have to pay extra contributions or file any new forms. Everything will be automatic.
What the Program Is About
The reform was approved by the Social Security Commission (SSC) and will run from September 2025 through September 2027. The main goal is simple: to make sure pensions can keep up with everyday expenses, especially as inflation continues to bite.
It covers:
- Retirement pensioners
- Disability pensioners
- Survivorship (death) pensioners
As long as you’re an active pensioner on record by August 31, 2025, you’ll be included in the very first increase.
How the Increases Work
The raise is automatic and will compound every year. That means each year’s increase will be added on top of the new pension amount, not the old one.
- Retirement & Disability Pensions → +10% per year (2025, 2026, 2027)
- Survivorship Pensions → +5% per year (2025, 2026, 2027)
By the end of three years:
- Retirement & Disability pensions will grow by about 33%
- Survivorship pensions will grow by about 16%
Real-Life Impact
To give you an idea:
- A minimum retirement pension of ₱2,200 in August 2025 will grow to about ₱2,928 by 2027.
- An average retirement pension of ₱5,120 will rise to around ₱6,815.
- A higher pension of ₱22,137 will climb to over ₱29,464.
Even survivorship pensions — often smaller — will see steady gains, easing the strain on families who’ve lost a breadwinner.
Why This Matters
For many senior citizens and families, every peso counts. With food, medicine, and utilities becoming more expensive each year, these scheduled increases provide a sense of certainty. It’s one less thing to worry about, and it helps pensioners maintain some stability in their daily lives.
Quick Facts
- Program Name: Philippines Pension Reform Program 2025
- Start Date: September 2025
- Duration: 3 years (until September 2027)
- Authority: Social Security System (SSS), approved by SSC
- Coverage: Retirement, Disability, Survivorship pensions
- Beneficiaries: 3.8 million+ pensioners
- Application: None — applied automatically
- Official Site: www.sss.gov.ph
FAQs
Who qualifies for the increase?
All SSS pensioners (retirement, disability, or survivorship) listed on record by August 31, 2025.
Do I need to apply?
No. The increase is automatic.
When does the first hike take effect?
September 2025.
Will contributions also rise?
No, contribution rates stay the same.