The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has lifted the cap on survivorship pensions, allowing widows and widowers of government employees to claim higher benefits without restriction.
In a resolution released recently, the GSIS Board officially removed the ceiling that previously limited survivorship pensions, granting surviving spouses their full entitlement under also known as the GSIS Act of 1997.
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Lifting the Cap
With the reform, survivors will now receive 50 percent of the pension of the deceased member or pensioner, regardless of the amount. The move aligns GSIS policy with the provisions of the law and strengthens its commitment to provide fairer and more adequate benefits.
“This policy shift was made to follow the law under Republic Act No. 8291. By lifting the cap, GSIS ensures that surviving spouses will receive what they are rightfully entitled to, while staying true to our duty of providing fair and adequate benefits,” explained GSIS officer-in-charge President and General Manager Juliet Bautista.
Previously, survivorship pensions were capped at 50 percent of the salary of an undersecretary (Step 8), which limited the benefits that surviving spouses could receive. The new measure also mandates automatic recomputation of pensions for those affected by the old ceiling, ensuring fairness not only for future beneficiaries but also for existing ones.
Impact on Filipino Families
The GSIS assured its 1.8 million active members and nearly 450,000 pensioners that its fund remains financially stable and capable of sustaining this policy shift.
For many Filipino families, this reform is expected to provide stronger financial security. Widows and widowers, especially those who depended heavily on their late spouses’ pensions, will now be better supported in managing everyday expenses such as food, utilities, healthcare, and education for their children. By removing the cap, GSIS eases the burden on surviving families and gives them greater dignity and stability during difficult times.
