The Social Security System (SSS) is reminding pensioners born in May to complete their Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) by the end of May. This step is crucial to avoid interruptions in monthly pension payments.
In a recent advisory, SSS emphasized the need for eligible pensioners to submit their ACOP requirements promptly, as the agency is tightening compliance monitoring under the Social Security Act of 2018.
The ACOP requirement affects several groups, including retirement pensioners aged 80 and above, total disability pensioners, pensioners residing abroad, and survivor pensioners with a deceased member born in May.
Pensioners can complete the ACOP process online through the Philippine Statistics Authority's National ID eVerify System, streamlining the verification process.
Understanding ACOP Compliance
The ACOP program mandates yearly confirmation of eligibility for pension benefits. This verification helps ensure that pensioners continue to qualify for monthly disbursements.
SSS recently reinstated mandatory ACOP compliance for specific retirement pensioners after temporarily easing requirements during the pandemic. Starting March 2024, those aged 80 and above residing in the Philippines must comply annually.
Failure to comply will lead to automatic suspension of pension releases one month after the pensioner’s birth month.
SSS Advisory
Pensioners who do not meet the ACOP requirements for two consecutive years may face permanent cancellation of their pension records. However, those who comply later can recover their benefits.
SSS encourages the use of its online facility to reduce the need for physical visits, especially for elderly pensioners and those abroad.
For more information about the ACOP program and downloadable forms, pensioners are advised to visit the official SSS website.